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Incident
Marshal John Cross was shot and killed at 2330 hours when he stopped to investigate three suspicious men camping out near the outskirts of town. His body was found in a wheat field the following morning at 0500 hours with a .45 caliber gunshot wound to the stomach.
It was later discovered that the three suspects were members of the Martin Gang, wanted for several holdups in Oklahoma. On August 8, 1903, two of the suspects were shot and killed in a gun battle with U.S. Marshals near Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Marshal Cross's badge, gun, and silver watch were found with the killed suspects. The third suspect escaped and remained at large for more than 16 years. He was captured in Booneville, Missouri, in March of 1920.
Marshal Cross was survived by his wife and six children and is buried in Geary Cemetery, Geary, Blaine County, Oklahoma.
Survivors
Marshal Cross was survived by his wife and six children and is buried in Geary Cemetery, Geary, Blaine County, Oklahoma.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
City Marshal Cross served with the Geary Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Geary community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Cross.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Geary Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 3 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 40. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
John was 40. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
John was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 10.4% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Geary Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
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