SALEM, Oregon—Few things shake us and sadden us as much as the death of a child. On Thursday, July 3, as communities were preparing for the long Fourth of July weekend, Shawn Robert Wargnier, 17, and Tara Lynn Granno, 18, were killed in an auto accident in Salem.

Tara had just graduated from high school, and Shawn, though he was eligible to graduate early, had decided to stay and spend his senior year with his friends. The two were dating and had discussed with their families becoming engaged before they started college.
     Shawn Wargnier & Tara Granno

Shawn was the son of Gary and Judy Wargnier. He has an older brother, Derek, 20. He was the grandson of Robert and Pat Wargnier, longtime WCG members, currently members of Living Hope Church, the Salem WCG congregation.

For many years, in the 1960s and 1970s, the family lived in Southern California, where Robert and his brother Oscar worked in the Printing Department for the church. Their children, including young Shawn’s father, Gary Wargnier, attended Imperial Schools in Pasadena.

Both of the young people were bright stars in their families, schools and communities. Shawn grew up next door to his grandparents on the family property, and they were deeply invested in his young life in every way. He had a 4.0 grade point average and was loved and respected by teachers, faculty and friends alike.

A double funeral took place Wednesday, July 9. It was attended by more than 1,000 people. Beautiful testimonies, memorials and tributes were offered by family and friends. A teacher remembered Shawn as the young man who made her first day and her first year of teaching bearable with his warm smile and the funny pranks he left on her computer.

One of his high school buddies said that he was the most honest person he’d ever known. Shawn’s e-mail address and Internet username was Shawn 3:16, a reference to his favorite Bible scripture, John 3:16. That was written in large letters on most of the cars driven in the procession by friends who knew him well. Most of the young people wore red shirts or red armbands to remember his trademark color.

The community then gathered at the cemetery for the committal service and to say good-bye. Wayne Mitchell, pastor of Living Hope Church, was asked to officiate at the committal service.

After the service, everyone was invited to a Celebration of Life at the Wargniers’ family farm. In the generous and gracious style so typical of their family, they set up tents, tables and chairs for 800 people, and worked to see that everyone was provided for, serving people that afternoon and on into the evening. Shawn and Tara were good kids from great families. They are survived by many, many family members and friends. To say they will be missed is an enormous understatement.

Cards and letters can be sent to Shawn’s parents and brother at Gary, Judy and Derrick Wargnier, 4783 Verda Lane NE, Keizer, Oregon, 97303.

To Tara’s mother at Tracy Granno, 959 Greenwood Dr. NE, Keizer, Oregon, 97303.

To Shawn’s grandparents at Robert and Pat Wargnier, 5422 Portland Rd. NE Space 76, Salem, Oregon, 97305.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2003