Two coffins sat side-by-side below the altar in an overflowing St Patrick’s Church in Wangaratta yesterday.

More than 500 mourners farewelled the husband and wife of more than 35 years, who were killed in their Great Alpine Road home almost three weeks ago.

Their son, 35-year-old Ian David Thomas, is in custody charged with their murders.

Mr and Mrs Thomas’ second-eldest daughter Jacinta Thomas, one of their five children, spoke about her parents’ ability to always see the good in people.

“Sadly, it was this belief and outreach to people in need that led to their tragic deaths,” Ms Thomas said.

Tributes to the couple, scrawled in pen on white tags, were attached to flowers placed at the entrance of the grand church in Ford Street, visible to mourners walking through its doors.

The church was filled by 350 people and latecomers squeezed into seats before they either gave up and stood at the back or joined the 160 people seated in a hall next door.

Ms Thomas said she and her siblings always knew how amazing, kind and generous their parents were but the stories they had been told since their deaths had been overwhelming.

“Both Dad and Mum would be humbled at this outpouring,” she said.

Mr Thomas, 64, came from a family of stock carriers that began with his grandfather in Wangaratta and was passed down to his father and then he and his brothers.

Mr Thomas grew up knowing Mrs Thomas, 63, a tireless volunteer, with the families living in the same district and attending the same schools.

Ms Thomas said her parents went about their lives quietly with dignity and she urged people to follow their examples.

She said they poured joy and love into the lives of their three grandchildren and children.

Ms Thomas said the children always knew how loved they were.

“We love you,” she said, voice breaking as she stood at the pulpit above the coffins soon to be carried out by men with the same broken looks on their faces.

“We will always love you and we’ll never forget you.”