Penn State coach Joe Paterno viewing draws thousands of mourners

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (KABC) -- The second of two public viewings was held on Wednesday, leading up to the funeral of legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.

Read comments from family members, former players and coaches on the death of longtime Penn State coach Joe Paterno.

Thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects at a two-day public viewing for the legendary coach. A private funeral was scheduled for the afternoon.

Some waited three hours or more in the pre-dawn cold for the opportunity to pass by the Hall of Famer's casket.

Paterno died on Sunday at the age of 85. He was the winningest coach in major college football history.

Paterno was fired in November amid criticism over the handling of a sex abuse report involving former assistant Jerry Sandusky.

A public memorial service is planned on Thursday.

See photos of former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno through the years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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