Ohio Airman Tyler Simmons Remembered at Funeral

Master Sgt. Simmons was among six service members killed in Iraq serving in Operation Epic Fury

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:34pm

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A warm, cinematic painting of an American flag draped over a military casket, capturing the solemn mood of the funeral service for the fallen airman.The funeral of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, an Ohio airman killed in Iraq, reflects the community's grief and reverence for his service.Columbus Today

The funeral for Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, a boom operator with the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing who was among six service members killed in Iraq, was held on April 10, 2026 at the First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio. Family, friends, and community members gathered to pay their respects and honor Simmons' service and sacrifice.

Why it matters

The loss of Master Sgt. Simmons and five other service members in Iraq has deeply impacted the local Ohio community. The funeral service provided an opportunity for the community to come together, grieve, and celebrate Simmons' life and legacy as a dedicated airman and beloved family member.

The details

The funeral service featured remarks from Simmons' cousin Edward Dudley Jr., his high school principal Brian Morton, and other family members and community leaders. Attendees arrived at the church to pay their respects, with many wearing dog tags featuring Simmons' photo as a tribute. A memorial was set up at the front of the church during the service.

  • The funeral for Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons was held on April 10, 2026.
  • Simmons was among six service members killed in Iraq serving in Operation Epic Fury.

The players

Tyler Simmons

A Master Sergeant in the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing who was killed in Iraq.

Edward Dudley Jr.

A cousin of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons who spoke at the funeral.

Brian Morton

The high school principal of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons who spoke at the funeral.

Latoya Baker

The mother of the best friend of a cousin of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons who attended the funeral.

Ryan Beatty Jr.

A cousin of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons who spoke at the funeral.

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What they’re saying

“We must honor the sacrifice of our fallen heroes like Tyler Simmons, who bravely served our country.”

— Edward Dudley Jr., Cousin of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons

What’s next

The Ohio Air National Guard and local community will continue to support Simmons' family and honor his memory through various memorial events and initiatives.

The takeaway

The funeral for Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons underscores the profound impact the loss of service members can have on local communities, and the importance of coming together to grieve, remember, and celebrate the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.