Cole Camp tearfully remembers slain family

More than 50 Cole Camp residents attended the first Music in the Park in memory of Taron, Sharon and Donnie Luetjen on Sunday at Water Tower Park.

Bob Vedder, of Bob V’s Classic Karaoke based out of Warsaw, provided music for the event.

“It’s a day of remembrance for the Luetjen family,” Vedder said.
Donald R. Luetjen, 64, Sharon K. Luetjen, 61 and their daughter, Taron D. Luetjen, 15, were found shot to death in their Cole Camp home on June 9.

Vedder said Taron had been singing with him since she was 8 years old.

Before karaoke singers took the microphone, a recording of “When You Say Nothing at All,” by Taron played. Tears were caught by tissues as Taron’s voice rang out over the park.

Sharon Peak, of Deepwater, sang two songs Sunday and knew the Luetjen family through karaoke.

“One of the nicest families I’ve ever known and I kind of feel their presence here today,” Peak said.

She said performing was hard, but “I don’t think we’ll ever forget them.”

Samantha Henley, 16, of Mora, attended high school with Taron.

“She sang all the time,” Henley said.

The two were best friends since the third grade and Henley wore a shirt reading, ‘In memory of Taron.’

“She was always joyful,” Henley said.

After the Luetjen’s funeral, a scholarship fund was set up in memory of Taron. In May 2010, a scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Cole Camp High School senior who is excelling in music.

Deb Armenta, daughter of the Luetjens’ and Taron’s sister, said she would like to do a similar event every year.

“We’re just hoping that everybody has fun and if we make anything it goes to a good cause,” Armenta said.

One after another a handful of people grabbed the microphone to perform. A basket collected donations from people throughout the event.

The scholarship fund is set up through Citizens-Farmers Bank of Cole Camp.