Kanjirapally (Kerala), March 1: Hundreds of people from all walks of life turned up for the funeral ceremony of George Joseph, veteran journalist and political editor of IANS, at his home town here.

Joseph, 57, died early on Monday morning in New Delhi following cardiac arrest.

The body was brought from Delhi on Tuesday and was kept at his brother's home here, since Tuesday evening, for people to pay their last respects.

The funeral service was performed by more than 25 Catholic priests at his home parish St. Dominic Cathedral. Among those who came to pay their last respects were leading political leaders cutting across political affiliations and representatives of numerous media organisations.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony spoke to Joseph's wife, Aasha Khosa, a TV journalist, and condoled the death of her husband.

"Not many here knew that Joseph was so popular across the country because of his writings. Many here came to know of his popularity when we saw the numerous condolences, including by the chief minister. The news of his death was published in all leading newspapers in the state," his elder brother V.J. Thomas said.

"He left this place soon after his college education and went to Delhi and worked in a few media organisations. Once he came home after a nine year gap, but he used to write to us. His letters were brief but it conveyed everything," said another brother.