Veteran services at Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary
Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary in Smith Center, KS supports veteran families with military funeral arrangements. The home assists with VA paperwork, honor-guard requests, and scheduling at veterans cemeteries. On-site amenities include on-site chapel and reception hall, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $7,635 for basic burial and $3,995 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: honoring veterans, burial, cremation, and graveside service. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Facilities on site include on-site chapel.
Published pricing at Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary: direct cremation from $3,995. That places direct cremation roughly 51% above the Kansas median ($2,647). If the veteran qualifies for a VA burial allowance, the family claims it with VA Form 21P-530EZ. Ask whether the home will help you file it.
The nearest veterans cemetery that isn't listed as closed is Kansas Veterans Cemetery at WaKeeney in KS, about 78 miles from Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary. For a burial in a VA national cemetery, the funeral home or the family calls the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
We list about 428 funeral homes in Kansas. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $3,995. Eligible veterans can offset these costs with a VA burial allowance, and burial in a VA national cemetery is provided at no charge.
Where is Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary is located at 116 West First St. in Smith Center, KS. You can reach the home at (785) 282-6691. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary offer veteran families?
Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary provides personalization, honoring veterans, burial, cremation, visitation, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary assists veteran families with VA burial benefits, military funeral honors, and coordination with national and state veterans cemeteries. Eligible veterans may receive a burial allowance and a free government headstone.
Which faith traditions does Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Methodist, Christian (Disciples of Christ), Evangelical Free, Nazarene families, among others.
What sets Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary apart
- Extensive network of five chapel locations across multiple Kansas towns (Smith Center, Osborne, Lucas, Luray, Sylvan Grove).
- Comprehensive preplanning options with prepayments held in a trust fund and transferable to any funeral home in the United States.
- Strong emphasis on personalization, allowing for unique life celebrations with specific musical selections, readings, hobbies, themes, and food/beverage preferences.
- Dedicated services for honoring veterans, including assistance with military service information.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Burial
- · Graveside Service
Cremation
- · Cremation
- · Ashes Returned To Family
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Specialties
- · Honoring Veterans
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Catholic, Methodist, Christian (Disciples of Christ), Evangelical Free, Nazarene, Lutheran.
How to request military funeral honors
By law (10 U.S.C. § 1491), an eligible veteran's funeral can include, on request, an honors detail of at least two service members who fold and present the U.S. flag to the family and play Taps. The funeral director usually makes the request and will need the veteran's DD214 or other discharge papers.
VA suggests asking at least 48 to 72 hours before the service. More on what honors include and how to request them.