Flags were lowered, businesses closed and black bows decorated Shelton, Nebraska Friday as family and friends gathered to remember a 19-year-old Marine.

The funeral was held at the same high school Lance Cpl. Kyle Codner graduated from a year ago. More than 1,200 people attended, remembering the Marine for his smile, humor and selflessness.

The day before, Marine Cpl. Matthew Henderson, 25, who was killed alongside Codner in Iraq May 26, was remembered at a service attended by more than 800 people at First Plymouth Congregational Church.

Henderson was a squad leader overseeing about a dozen men, including Codner. The squad was clearing roads of explosive devices when a bomb detonated, killing Henderson, Codner and another Marine.

At Codner's funeral at Shelton High School Friday, family and close friends reminisced about his life through a video and slide show.

His friends shared stories of a proud Marine with a sense of humor and a positive outlook.

"He was a person full of character," Shelton Mayor Lynn McBride said before the funeral. "He established himself as a Marine."

Codner's friends also shared stories of an 8th grade boy with a crush on a girl named Megan Kirkover. Kirkover and Codner were engaged shortly after he joined the Marines.

Every downtown Shelton business, including the bank and Post Office, closed in honor of Codner's funeral.

"The community support is impressive," McBride said. "Crisis, conflict, challenges bring people together, make people stronger."

Rev. John Ewton, Shelton United Methodist Church pastor said at the funeral that Codner died protecting the lives of his fellow Marines.

"Every bomb was one less problem for his comrades in arms," Ewton said. "Marines are alive today because Kyle was willing to put his life on the line for them."