People from across Oklahoma gathered at Fort Reno on Sunday for what has become a somber tradition, German Memorial Day, known in its native language as Volkstrauertag.

The ceremony featured tributes to German and Italian prisoners of war who died in Oklahoma and were buried at the Fort Reno Cemetery.

Fort Reno, at one time during World War II, held more than 1,300 German prisoners. Of those, 62 are buried there along with eight Italian POWs.

Most died in other POW camps and hospitals stationed around Oklahoma.

Our beloved John Gerald “JG” Yellow Eagle was called to his Heavenly home on Nov. 15, 2019, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. John had double pneumonia and irreversible damage to his lungs.  Maheo did not allow him to suffer, he passed on peacefully in his sleep.

John Gerald was born Sept. 29, 1975, in Clinton. His Cheyenne name was “Hoh Wah Hah Naas.” He was named after one of his grandfathers, Andrew Yellow Eagle.

Dr. Ronald D. Powell (Retired Colonel USAF Reserves) passed away Friday, Nov. 15 at the age of 72, after suffering from brain cancer (primary glioblastoma) since March of this year.

Graveside services for Dolores Gray of El Reno will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, in the El Reno Cemetery with Rev. Jeff Klade, interim pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be in the El Reno Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home.