Facebook friends guide Penn State's Paterno home

BOUYED BY A Facebook campaign called "Guide Joe Home," thousands of students, alumni and fans lined the streets of State College for the funeral procession of Joe Paterno.

The goal was to make a single-file "human chain" that would be along the side of the road and guide Paterno's hearse. More than 7,000 people wrote they were planning to take part.

In many areas, the crowd swelled to four deep and more along the route, which went past Beaver Stadium and the library that bears Paterno's name.

"Joe Paterno has guided many people throughout his life and shaped them into successful individuals," organizers wrote on Facebook. "How great would it be if we could guide him home one last time?

"It will be our last chance to ever be in Joe's presence again, so let's make it memorable. Joe Paterno, you are loved and will always be missed."

The hearse was followed by buses with Paterno's family, former players and other guests. Sue Paterno sat in the front seat of the first bus, a spot her husband occupied on game days.

Jay Paterno, the coach's son and former Penn State quarterbacks coach, sent a message to the mourners via Twitter.

"Thank you to all the people who turned out for my father's procession," he wrote. "Very moving."

Co-organizer Eric Bress took to Facebook last night to thank those who took part: "Thank you everyone for coming out today to Guide Joe Paterno Home! It was a huge success and it meant a lot to the Paterno family! We had thousands that lined the streets! Rest in Peace, Joe Paterno."

Students who have spent hours before games at Paternoville outside Gate A of the stadium gathered in that area and put up a single tent to honor Paterno.