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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Many considered him a hero.

And on Friday, hundreds of people were able to say their final farewells to a boy who inspired others to live better lives.

More than 600 people attended the funeral for Will Jacobs, 13, of Winigan.

Around 2:30 p.m. Friday, about 200 people lined South Baltimore Street in Kirksville to honor "Iron Will" as his casket passed by.

Will Jacobs lost his 13-month battle with brain cancer on September 22.

His mom said he always wanted to be a firefighter, and a few area fire departments made Will's wish come true. They made him an honorary firefighter.

Outside the funeral, a flag flew from a ladder truck in memory of Will.

Inside the church, his mom, Trena, delivered her young son's eulogy.

Firefighters from a number of departments lined the sidewalk outside the church to show their respect as Will's casket made its way to a Green City fire truck, which carried the casket to the cemetery.

As the fire truck carrying Will's casket drove by, people who were touched by Will's story lined up along the street and released balloons into the air in memory of Will.

Everyone who knew will said he was funny, courageous and a hero.

Will is survived by his parents, Allen and Trena Jacobs, and his five brothers and two sisters

Following the funeral, police cars and fire trucks escorted the processional from Kirksville to Will's final resting place at Winigan Cemetery.