Friends and family members paid their respects to George B. Coughlin, an investigator for the St. Clair County state's attorney's office, during his funeral Monday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville.

Coughlin, 83, worked in law enforcement for more than 50 years. He retired as an East St. Louis police officer and went on to work for the St. Clair County state's attorney's office. He also was a member of the Major Case Squad.

"George was such a plain spoken but encouraging guy," St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly said. "He devoted his professional life to protecting the public and he devoted his personal life to loving his friends and family. Everyone from the state's attorney's office, past and present, will miss him so much."

Coughlin's cause of death is unknown. He died Thursday at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

Coughlin is survived by his children: Craig Coughlin of Millstadt, Cass Coughlin of Chicago and Shawn Coughlin of Belleville. He also is survived by his brother Gene Coughlin of Belleville and six grandchildren.

Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville handled Coughlin's arrangements. Coughlin was buried at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery in Belleville.