Nine-week-old Tanner Dowler was laid to rest Monday as Pastor David DeBord hoped some good might come from the death of the infant allegedly beaten to death by his parents.

A tiny white casket, topped by a bouquet of roses and a teddy bear was flanked by several bouquets of flowers, a cast of the newborn's hand and pictures of the baby as a newborn, sleeping peacefully.

"All your hopes and dreams for him are gone," DeBord said to the gathering of about 50 family and friends who wept quietly during the service at Tabor Funeral Home. "The grandparents feel like they should have done more, but knowing that they can't is what we're left to deal with."

He later added: "It's too early to tell what good might come from this ... maybe his death might expose a hole in the safety net that needs repairing.

Among those possibilities, DeBord said that Tanner's death might expose a "hole in the safety net that needs repairing."

Earlier, hundreds of people filled a funeral home in Brighton on Sunday during a public viewing for the infant.

The public service for the 9-week-old boy turned into a platform for those who want to call attention to the plight of such victims.

Parked across from the Tabor Funeral Home, where the viewing for was held, Maribeth Lewis propped up black-and-white signs against her blue Crown Victoria.

"Break Daddy's Arms & Legs. Burn His Feet. Let Him Suffer!!! The Death Penalty is Too Nice," read one.

Many of the other mourners saw their own children in Tanner's tiny casket. They came to express their sympathy and outrage, even though most did not know Tanner or his parents.

The 9-week-old infant died earlier this month after suffering broken bones, burns to his feet and a head injury.

Both of his parents are in jail. Tanner was hospitalized on Oct. 3 and removed from life support eight days ago.

SURVEY Do you think Joseph Dowler should be allowed to view the body of his infant son, whom he is accused of beating, burning and suffocating? Yes. Dowler is innocent until proven guilty and he should be allowed to see his son before he is buried. No. Not after the way he treated his baby when the boy was alive. Results  |  Disclaimer

His father, 34-year-old Joseph Dowler, faces first-degree murder charges and eight other counts of child abuse.

Tanner's mother, 19-year-old Audra Dowler, has not been charged. She's due in court on Wednesday.

Some people believe Tanner's death has exposed weaknesses in Colorado's child-welfare system. The infant's grandparents say they were afraid for him, saying that Joseph and Audra Dowler needed parenting classes. They notified authorities but no one knew where Tanner and his parents were living.

Boulder County Social Services has been cleared of any wrongdoing, however state officials are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the baby's death.