November 2022

Remembering the ultimate sacrifice

Memorial Stadium was rededicated in 2019 and the centerpiece of the event was the brick monument honoring the El Reno Public Schools students who paid the ultimate sacrifice from service to their country during World War II. The monument listed the 44 known names of former students at that time.
The Memorial Stadium Monument

William Harvey Thrailkill Jr.

William Harvey Thrailkill Jr. U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1969. Stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. Served in Vietnam in January 1968, stationed in Nha Trang. Worked on airplanes repairing recip engines. Died March 25, 2020, from Agent Orange issues.
William Harvey Thrailkill Jr._story

Jim Lane Phariss

Jim Lane Phariss U.S. Army Korea Dec. 1, 1952, to Sept. 18, 1954 Front Line 39th Parallel the day Armistice was signed
Jim Lane Phariss_story

Loy W. Strasner

Loy W. Strasner Royal Canadian Air Force before the U.S. entered World War II and was released to join the U.S. Navy when the U.S. declared war. Served in the submarine service.
Loy W. Strasner_story

Wiley F. Smith

EN3 Wiley F. Smith Vietnam Patrol Boat River 1968-69 Wounded in Action March 9, 1969
Wiley F. Smith_story