Over a thousand friends and family gathered together to mourn the deaths of Charlie and Braden Powell, the boys murdered last week after their father killed them and himself in a fiery blaze.

Pastor Dean Curry began the memorial, “We want to celebrate their innocence today. We want to be grateful for the moments we had with these children.”

Charlie was remembered as the boy who sneaked worms or caterpillars into class. Beyond his naughtiness, he loved writing and always dreamed of writing a book.

“At an early age, Charlie displayed a keen intellect and compassionate heart,” said Tammy Ougheon, Charlie’s kindergarten teacher. “He was an amazing young man.”

In turn, little Braden loved cars and trains. “Braden walked through the doors every day with a big smile on his face,” remembered Kristie King, Braden’s pre-K teacher. “He had a heart of gold, always wanting to show affection.”

Funeral attendees wore purple and blue ribbons in memory of Susan, Charlie and Braden. During the service, a video memorial was shown of the boys (video below) .

Josh Powell, the boys’ father has been a person of interest in his wife’s disappearance two years ago (the case was never solved). Following a custody battle with the boys’ grandfather, Josh decided to take action, attacking his boys with a hatchet and torching down the house.

Family member Kirk Graves ended the night with a closing statement. “We are grateful for the opportunity that we’ve each had to have felt the joy that these two small children have brought into our lives in their short lives.”