We lived close to each other and any favor he needed I would do. In his last months I would take him to Doctor appointments and spend as much time with him as possible.
You were there for the most important part of his journey. The johnny-come-latelys were no doubt all working hard for "kingdom interests" when he was alive, but want to be seen as "close" now, by carrying his deceased body 50 yards.
You honored him . . . they honored themselves. Simple as that.