T-R PHOTO BY ADAM SODDERS - Miller Middle School locker 147, which belonged to the late Corey Brown, was covered in loving messages by fellow students Monday after the boy’s death was announced Sunday.

In between classes at Miller Middle School Monday, students stopped by locker 147, the one that used to be Corey Brown’s.

Corey was found dead Sunday after he had been missing for several days last week. Students at Miller Middle School began decorating their late classmate’s locker Monday, leaving messages on mostly green paper, reflecting Corey’s favorite color.

“We will miss you so much,” one message read.

“Rest in peace. You were an awesome friend and a great person and I wish I just could have said bye,” another student wrote.

Dozens of other messages were written on notes stuck to the locker and on a large piece of paper hanging on a nearby wall.

T-R PHOTO BY ADAM SODDERS - Students also set up a message board next to Corey’s locker to make room for notes to honor his memory. The green color for the message board and the notes on Corey’s locker was chosen because it was his favorite color.

Several students could be seen wearing green Monday.

“The way things are going this morning, we’re not hearing a whole lot from kids,” said Marshalltown Schools Director of Special Services Matt Cretsinger.

He said that is normal for kids of middle school age.

“They often try to share amongst each other rather than adults,” Cretsinger said. “I think a lot of kids are still dealing with the initial shock of everything.”

He said he expects more students to share their feelings with school staff in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, he said the Area Education Agency and Center Associates mental health staff remain on-hand for any student needs.

The Area Education Agency sent a crisis support unit to Miller last week when Corey was missing. Cretsinger said students have been made aware that staff are available to help and listen if need be.

Corey was 13 years old. He was reported missing last week and the search for him lasted several days. The Marshalltown Police Department reported they found him dead in a secluded area on the west side of Marshalltown.

Corey is remembered as a bright, kind and friendly kid.

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Contact Adam Sodders at (641) 753-6611 or asodders@timesrepublican.com