John Leon Lucus was born to Steve and Jennie Lucus on April 3, 1921 at the family farm north of Banner. He graduated from El Reno High School in 1938. He enlisted in the army on February 8, 1941 at the age of 19 years.

From the date of his enlistment until April 8, 1942, he was stationed at Fort Reno and served as company clerk for his unit. He was made a corporal on April 8, 1942 and sent to officers training school at Fort Francis E. Warren in Wyo. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt on July 3, of the same year. He saw service at Berkeley, CA and Camp Swift, TX. He was promoted to 1st Lt on December 10, 1942 and was transferred back to Fort Reno on February 2, 1943.

He assumed command of Troop A, 252nd Quarter Master Remount Squadron from June 10 until December 20, 1943. He was sent for duty overseas, on February 10, 1944, in charge of the unit. They arrived in India about April 2nd.

His death occurred April 19, 1944 and he is interred in the El Reno Cemetery.

Lucus Hall was a gymnasium and recreation center built at Fort Reno by the German POWs in memory of Lt Leon Lucus. It was dedicated may 27, 1944. It has been torn down since then.

An addition to the junior high school and named Lucus Memorial Hall was built in 1967. The hall was named in honor of Lt. John Leon Lucus.

The new hall was occupied by students for the first time on March 28, 1967. It housed a librateria (combination library and cafeteria) on the first floor. A reading room, large and small vocal music department and a business education were on the second level.

Etta Dale Junior High