United States of America
U.S. Army · United States United States

John R. Greer

Died August 27, 1938

John R. Greer served in the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Edged weapon
What Happened

Guard John Greer succumbed to stab wounds sustained 11 days earlier during an escape attempt at the Eastham State Prison Farm in Houston County, Texas.

Guard Greer was stabbed in the stomach by one of the eight prisoners who attempted to escape. Other guards who were at the prison farm opened fire on the prisoners during the escape, killing two of them.

Six felons escaped; two men were shot by guards by the river, two were drowned, one was recaptured, and one was apprehended in 1939.

Guard Greer was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division for 13 years.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, four daughters, and parents.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division
Guard
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 59W · Line 25 cut as JOHN GREER
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Guard Greer gave the Texas Department of Criminal Justice 13 years.

Thank you for your service to the Huntsville community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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