Bruce Lynn Simmons , age 65 of Sharpsville, IN and native of Elwood, IN passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 15, 2022 after a sudden illness at his home.  He was born January 12, 1957 in Elwood, the son of Paul L. and Mollie I. (Tobias) Simmons.  Bruce was a 1975 graduate of Elwood Community High School where he was active in many sports such as basketball, football, baseball, and track.  He served his country in the U.S. Army after high school, and he was a proud of his military service.  Bruce was stationed in Germany and was one of the soldiers who guarded Rudolph Hess at a military facility.  In addition, he witnessed a part of history as the Berlin Wall came down.

Bruce lived in St. Petersburg, Florida for over 20 years where he owned and operated Peninsula Construction Company for 15 years.  After moving back to Indiana three years ago, he became a member of the Kokomo VFW Post #1152 and was an avid supporter of Veteran's programs.  In his free time, Bruce loved to root for the Chicago Bears and I.U. basketball teams.  He and his daughter had just gone to see a Bears game this month, and that trip will never be forgotten.  Bruce was also currently an active pool player, golfer, and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.  He liked leading a simple life – just spending time with his beloved dogs, "Missy" and "Sadie" and watching westerns on TV.  Bruce's life truly impacted all his family members and friends who loved him deeply.

Bruce's family includes 5 children, Erica (husband AJ) Hughes of Carmel, Jacilyn Simmons of Indianapolis, Valeri Simmons of Indianapolis, Lisa Simmons of Anderson, and Nathan Simmons of Pendleton; 2 sisters, Paula Simmons of Elwood and Melanie (husband Gail) Godby of Sheridan; two grandchildren, Braeden Walker and Trinity Walker; two aunts, Wilda Tobias of Elwood and Laura Rich of Texas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Terry Simmons and Phillip Simmons; and 2 half-sisters, Janice (husband Bill) Kessinger and Rosalie (husband Melvin) Voland.

A funeral celebrating Bruce's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 23, 2022 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 pm to 7 pm on Thursday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the U.S.O.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.