Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 67th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. How nice that your family members are able to post their loving reflections for you.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 20, 2011

Happy Birthday, Dad...I know 20/1 is your BD. I am just a bit late. love, chickie

chickie
daughter

January 26, 2011

Popi, happy anniversary in Heaven. Please watch us from above and intercede where you can. I know you have for me.

How much I wish I could have known you but I know that someday I will.

Love,
Your granddaughter Katherine, Marcia's daughter.

Katherine Murphy
Granddaughter

December 20, 2010

Still remembered, still admired, still loved. Rest in Peace.

Maggie Coakley
Granddaughter

December 20, 2010

Grandpa Lee, may the love for your children be felt by them today; your love lives in me through them. God Bless us everyone.
With admiration and deep respect,
-terry

Terry
Granddaughter

December 20, 2010

Daddy,
It's 66yrs. and I still miss you. Especially today.

rosella pena-trujillo
daughter

December 17, 2010

…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Grandpa Lee’s legacy has always been legend in our family. I have always heard of his patience and kind heart for others. I have enjoyed reading the tributes other have wrote – it helps fill in the sketch of the Abuelito I have never met, yet admired, may his life live through us. As a family I pray we live out his legacy for benefit of others and to the glory of the God he served.

Frank J. Pena
Grandson

March 11, 2010

Dear Grandfather,

65 years ago tonight you were taken too soon from your family. Rest in Peace.

Always in my prayers,
Maggie

Maggie Coakley
Grand Daughter

December 20, 2009

Dear Popi,

I was thinking of you today and just wanted to see your face.

Auyda me por favor con su benedicion para mi hijos y mi corazon.

Todos las dias,

Katherine Murphy
Saratoga Springs

Katherine Murphy
Granddaughter

July 30, 2009

Dear Popi,

I was thinking of you today and just wanted to see your face.

Auyda me por favor con su benedicion para mi hijos y mi corazon.

Todos las dias,

Katherine Murphy
Saratoga Springs

Katherine Murphy
Granddaughter

July 30, 2009

The following article is from:
The Taos News - El Crepusculo
December 22, 1958

PAYS TRIBUTE TO MURDERED OFFICER
Ed. Note -- The following communications from Wesley Freeburg, now superintendent of the Lordsburg, New Mexico municipal schools and formerly superintendent of the Taos system, pay tribute to the memory of Officer Lee Pena, who was killed here in line of duty in December, 1944:
December 22, 1958
Mr. Felix Valdez
Spanish Editor, El Crepusculo
Taos, New Mexico.
Dear Mr. Valdez:
For some years I had wished I might write a tribute to Lee Pena but never felt equal to the task. Encolsed herewith is a short tribute which expresses some of my feelings toward him.
With best wishes, I remain
Sincerely yours,
(s) - Wesley Freeburg
Superintendent, Lordsburg Municipal Schools
Lordsburg, New Mexico
LEE PENA
The Christmas season always brings joy and gladness but it also brings a note of sadness when I recall the passing of a man I admired greatly. Mr. Lee Pena was an upright man and one whose friendship I prized.
Mr. Pena had chosen law enforcement as a career and was serving as an attendance officer for the school when I knew him. He did his work well. His approach to the attendance problem was the best I had ever seen. He asked for and was granted permission to visit the classroom where he observed the teachers at work. He familiarized himself with the plans and methods which the teachers used in instructing their class.
With this information at hand he then visited the homes of students whose attendance was irregular and tried to convince the parents as well as the student of the need and desirability of an education. This approach proved very successful when employed by a man who was so intensely interested in the youth of the community.
When Lee Pena was struck down by an assassin's bullet the entire community was shocked and saddened for he was loved and respected by all.
I was asked to say a few words at the graveside service but when the time came I found myself unabled to speak. I had great admiration for him. His attitude, his devotion to duty, his keen insight into human nature, his desire to help others and his willingness to walk the extra mile, had caused me to place him in the category of a most loyal and trusted friend. Truly it was a sad Christmas that year. - Wesley Freeburg

Gloria Lipps
Daughter

November 28, 2008

Grandpa Lee,
Like my brother, Michael, I grew up with the family history in Taos, visiting and wandering through the beautiful town you called home with your wife and children. I listened to stories about you from my mother, my aunts and uncles, and my grandmother, your wife. I've attended several of the annual Police Memorial Services in Santa Fe with my mother and uncle and, through it, always feel a sense of loss, even though I never knew you. And, I remember my mother's grief every year at the anniversary of your death, even to this day. I wish I had been able to meet you. I've heard so much of your kindness, your gentleness, your patience with your children, and of you being a strong role model and citizen. Your ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered in the lives you sought to protect. I also thank you and my grandmother for giving me life, for without my mother, I would not be here. I know my nana is finally with you and hope you can now both be in peace and together for eternity. I love you.

Gina Trujillo
Granddaughter

February 16, 2008

Grandpa Lee -

Ever since I was a small boy, my mother has shared with me profound memories of you. She spoke of how much you were respected, and most importantly, your honesty and integrigy. I have shared this wisdom with your two great-grandaughter's, Alexa and Nicole and am certain they will carry on your legacy. They say I resemble you in many ways, but only hope I can hold a candle to how you lived your life.

Your Grandson,
Michael
Denver, CO

Michael Trujillo
Grandson

February 15, 2008

We often ask why the stars cross and the fate of one, changes the lives of many? Lee, while the stars burn bright far in the heavens, your deeds here on earth, are still remembered to this day. We celebrate you for how you lived your life with honor, service and courage. Your family and community will never forget you. So when I look up into the night's sky, jeweled with stars that burn, twinkle and shine so bright, I will always think of Lee and Emma Pena, with admiration, love and respect. May your souls rest in peace.

Favorite songs in loving remembrance of Lee Pena and Johnny Lee Pena:

Agnus Dei and Adagio for Strings Op.11 by Samuel Barber

Anonymous

January 27, 2008

Daddy
i hardly knew you but i have missed you all my life

chickie

January 8, 2008

Dear Grandfather,
I've always had the sense of you in my life. The stories and reflections of you told to me through Mom, aunts, uncles and Nana have kept you alive in all of your grandchildren, great-grandchildren and now great-great-grndchildren. I now am getting to know another side of you through your from your first marrage, Margaret and her children, Fran & Rick. How remarkable you were to have been loved by both families you married into. You blessed both families by your presence as well as Toas, a Town that still honors you to this day. God bless you always. It's good knowing that your first wife, Uncle Charlie, Nana and my father are with you in Gods domain and I know all of us are grateful to having you watch over us.

Continue to rest in peace Grandpa.

Your loving Granddaughter,
Jackie Perkins
Palm Springs, Ca

Jackie Perkins
Granddaughter

December 31, 2007

Dear Grandfather,

I would have loved to know you. My mother told me of your kind and gentle ways. She described you as a loving, patient husband and father. The hero of her childhood. Two years ago I visited the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC. I touched your name engraved in the stone. I felt so proud of you and honored to be your granddaughter. My son and daughter took rubbings of your name. They know your story and will tell their children. And so you live on in our prayers, our memories and our hearts.

Please watch over my nephews Michael and Tommy as they serve their country as you did. Rest in peace with Nana and Uncle Charlie in God's loving arms.

Your granddaughter,

Maggie Coakley
Long Island, NY

Maggie Coakley, granddaughter
Plainview, NY

December 22, 2007

WITH PROFOUND GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION I WISH TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO SENT KIND AND CARING REFLECTIONS ON MY FATHER, MARSHALL LEE PENA , TAOS, NEW MEXICO.
ONDECEMBER 20, 1944, AROUND 6PM, MY FAT6HER WAS SHOT AND KILLED WHILE ON DUTY WHILE TRYING TO QUELL A DISTURBANCE. ON THAT OURLIVES CHANGED FOREVER, AND THERE HASN,T BEEN A SINGLE DAY THAT WE HAVEN'T FELT THAT LOSS.
MARSHALL LEE PENA, MY FATHER, WAS A KIND AND GENTLE MAN WHO FELT THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE TO RESOLVE CONFLICT WITHOUT RESORTING TO FORCE OR VIOLENCE. BUT, SADLY, ON THAT DAY IT WAS NOT TO BE.
IN ADDITION TO BEING THE CITY MARSHALL, MY FATHER WAS ALSO THE TRUANT OFFICER FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. BECAUSE HE HAD HAD LIMITED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, HE PLACED A HIGH VALUE ON EDUCATION. BY WORKING IN HIS GENTLE MANNER DIRECTLY WITH STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES, HE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN PURSUADING MANY STUDENTS TO RETURN TO SCHOOL AND CONTINUE WITH THEIR EDUCATION.
MARSHALL PENA HAD BEEN AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF HIS CHURCH, THE AMERICAN LEGION AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. HIS DEATH NOT ONLY LEFT A PROFOUNDLY BEREAVED FAMILY, BUT ALSO A COMMUNITY IN MOURNING HIS LOSS.

MARCIA PENA THOMPSON
MELVILLE, NEW YORK

MARCIA PENA THOMPSON
DAUGHTER

December 22, 2007

Even though you never knew me, you have always been a part of me. I first heard of you in the 1950's when I asked about my grandfather. I was told you were a Policeman killed in the line of duty. But mostly I heard of you from my Nana. She told me how you were killed at Christmas time on December 20, 1944. She told me the family was at home decorating the Tree when the news came. But mostly she told me about you. How brave, kind and gentle you were. And how handsome. How good you were to the children, to her, to her parents. How you never raised your voice. How loved and respected you were. Many years later towards the end of her life she told me how much she still loved and missed you, how she wished she had been better to you. I named my Tommy after you. He is an MP, career military, dedicated to a life of law enforcement and public service. You are his Guardian Angel. You have protected him at GTMO and where he is presently stationed and when he goes to Iraq next year he will be under your wings. You have watched over my Micky in Iraq and have kept my Daniel safe. Someday we will meet and you will know me. And thanks for looking after me,too.

Wendy Keenan, Civilian
Grand-daughter

December 21, 2007

Even though I never knew you, you have always been a part of me. I first heard of you in the 1950's when I asked about my grandfather. My Nana told me you were dead. She later told me how you were shot at Christmas time by an AWOL soldier, how you tried to calm him down, but he was scared, he fired his gun and you were killed. My Nana told me how brave and gentle you were and how handsome. She told me how good you were with her and the children, how you never raised your voice. She told me how you went bear hunting in the Sange de Christos and how much you were loved and respected, especially by Great Grandma & Great Grandpa. My Nana told me how much she loved you and missed you. She told me this in the late 1980's, how she wished she had been better to you and how for all those years she thought of you and loved you every day. My Nana told me how good you were to her and her parents. She told me people in Taos still remeber you. I named my Tommy after you. He is an MP, career military and dedicated to a life of Law Enforcement and service. You are his Guardian Angel and have kept him safe at GTMO and where he is stationed now. You have my Micky in Iraq under your wings and will bring him home safely. Every year I have masses said for your birthday in January and on December 20th. Someday we will meet and you will know me. And thanks for looking after me to.

Your grandaughter,
Wendy

Wendy Keenan, Civilian
Granddaughter

December 21, 2007

Dear Popi,
I guess that's what I would have called you had I been blessed to know you. We pray for you always and look to the day when we can meet in the face of God. You have 6 wonderful remainng children and I know Uncle Charlie is keeping you company.

I have 2 boys myself who hold police officers and those in our Armed Forces in highest
esteem. I have told them about you and how brave you were giving your life to protect the citizens of Taos. I went there once with my mother Marcia. When you left, you left many broken hearts. It helps me to know that you are at peace with God.

May He keep you close always and watch over us to keep us safe. Be our guardian angel, Popi.

Love,

Katherine Murphy

Katherine Murphy
Saratoga Springs, NY

December 20, 2007

Marshal Pena, 63 years have passed, and you are still remembered here in Taos. This is such a beautiful and special place. Thank you for your service.

a citizen
none

December 14, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your police and military service, You are a hero just by the profession you chose. As always, this writer is disappointed when justice is not served on behalf of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 8, 2007

Marshal Pena,
On today, the 62nd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served during WWI.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

December 14, 2006

Thank you for protecting the citizens of Taos, NM. May you rest in peace in God's arms.

December 14, 2006