Dennis Simmons, 73, of Lake Andes

Dennis died Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral Services are 11 AM, Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at the American Legion Hall in Wagner. Wake services will be 7 PM on Sunday and Monday at the Legion Hall. Burial is in the Wagner Cemetery.

Dennis Lee Simmons Sr. was born on November 15, 1951 in Wagner, South Dakota at the Indian Health Service to Elizabeth Simmons and Lee Simmons. Dennis grew up in Wagner and attended Marty Boarding School from 1959 to 1960 before continuing his education at Wagner School.

Dennis dedicated much of his life to serving and protecting others. In 1975, he began his career in BIA Law Enforcement. Two years later, 1975 he became a training sergeant at the Indian Police Academy in Brigham City, Utah, where he served until 1977. Throughout his career, Dennis worked as a BIA Sergeant and Captain in communities across Indian Country. After 20 years of service with the BIA, He retired in 2000.

Retirement did not keep Dennis from serving his community. He returned to work in Tribal Law Enforcement as Chief of Police and in EMS as a ambulance driver, serving the Yankton Sioux Reservation and the Lake Andes area.

Everyone who knew Dennis knew that he took his work seriously. He was “old school” when it came to being a police officer, believing in doing his job the right way and helping people whenever he could. Dennis was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends and anyone who needed him.

Outside of his work, Dennis enjoyed the things that brought him happiness. He loved playing pool and participated in pool leagues throughout the Charles Mix County area. He also enjoyed working on cars and in his younger days, playing basketball and fast pitch softball. Dennis made may friendships through the activities he enjoyed and the communities he served.

Dennis will be loving remembered by his children, grand-children, great-grandchildren, sisters and brother, cousins, uncles and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Simmons and Lee Simmons, Sr.; cousin and fellow law enforcement partner Tom Aungie, also his uncles Alec Joseph, Ferris Joseph, Albert Joseph and Frank Joseph, Jr.

Dennis Lee Simmons Sr. lived a life of service, dedication, hard work, and helping others. His presence touched many lives through his years in Law Enforcement and his work as an EMS driver, and willingness to help those around him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all of his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.

May he rest in peace, and may his memory live on in all who knew and loved him