After more than seven decades missing in action, U.S. Army Master Sergeant Wallace Simmons, Jr. will finally return home. Flanner Buchanan is honored to assist in laying MSG Simmons to rest with the dignity and recognition he has long deserved.
Click here to read his obituary.
MSG Simmons, who served in World War II as well as in the Korean Conflict, was reported missing in action in Korea and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. His certificate of death lists his official DOD as December 6, 1950. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) officially announced on June 20, 2024, that his remains had been identified.
At 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19, Flanner Buchanan will hold a military graveside service with full honors in Section A of Washington Park East Cemetery, 10612 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, to honor MSG Simmons’ life and legacy. His cremated remains will be interred at Washington Park East Cemetery on his mother Agnes Simmons’ grave, reuniting them at last. The public is invited to honor his life and service to our country.
“This is a rare and meaningful moment for all of us at Flanner Buchanan,” Family Service Advisor Shelby Endicott said. “To be part of bringing a hero home after 75 years is both humbling and profound. We are honored to care for MSG Simmons and support his family in this final chapter.”
MSG Simmons’ cousin, Bradley Oliver, has been instrumental in coordinating the return and arrangements. The family, in partnership with Flanner Buchanan and the DPAA, has worked tirelessly to ensure he receives the honors he earned in service to our country.
About Flanner Buchanan
Founded in 1881, Flanner Buchanan is one of Indiana’s most respected and innovative funeral service providers. Family owned with locations throughout central Indiana, Flanner Buchanan provides a full range of funeral, cremation, cemetery and preplanning services, blending tradition with creative celebrations of life. Learn more at flannerbuchanan.com.
The Washington Park Cemetery Association is an Indiana-not-for-profit organization with seven cemeteries located throughout Greater Indianapolis, most with Flanner Buchanan funeral centers on their grounds. Learn more at washingtonparkcemetery.org.