 | John R. Smart
October 21, 2010
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Life Legacy
SMART, JOHN R., 78 of Sebring, FL, passed away peacefully, Thursday, October 21, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving wife, family, and the Good Shepherd Hospice Team. John was born in Noble County, IN. He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict with the 3rd Infantry Division and in Vietnam. He retired in 1971 after serving our country for 20 years. John served as claims manager for the Wausau Insurance Company in South Florida for 23 years. In 1993 he moved to Sebring from Miramar, FL and became very involved with V.F.W. Post #4300 serving in many capacities. He was especially proud to serve as Commander of the Honor Guard. He was also a member of American Legion Post #69, Moose Lodge #2259, both of Sebring. Elks Lodge #2548, Plymouth, IN, Society of the 3rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army. John was an avid fisherman and of the Christian Faith. John was preceded in death by his father, John I. Smart and brother, Ronald Smart. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; mother, Mildred M. Kimmell both of Sebring; children, Kim (Nancy) Smart, Weatherford, TX and their children, Brandy Meek and Cori Rheinheimer, Jay (Charlene) Smart, Kendallville, IN and their children, Josh Smart and Shondria Rangel, Kevin (Jenny) Smart, Biloxi, MS and their children, Jeffrey Smart, Jeremy Smart and Amanda Lane, Sherri (Ben) Henley, Sebring, FL and their children, Alexandria Cusato and Victoria Henley, Steven (Cindy) Peffley, Sunrise, FL and their children, Shane, Kyle and Macie Peffley; nine great grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Janice)Smart, Raleigh Durham, NC, William (Carole) Smart, Sebring, FL and Fred (Jeannette) Smart, Kendallville, IN; many very special nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of his life will be held at the V.F.W. Post #4300 at a date and time to be announced. The family suggests donations to V.F.W. Post #4300/ Honor Guard.
Condolences or Life Stories may be expressed in his Guestbook. Morris Funeral Chapel, Sebring, Fl.
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Preceded In Death By
John I. Smart, Father
Ronald Smart, Brother
Survived By
Bonnie Smart, Wife
Mildred M. Kimmell, Mother
Kim (Nancy) Smart, Son
Jay (Charlene) Smart, Son
Kevin (Jenny) Smart, Son
Sherri (Ben) Henley, Daughter
Steven (Cindy) Peffley, Son
Robert (Janice)Smart, Brother
William (Carole) Smart, Brother
Fred (Jeannette) Smart, Brother
Twelve Grandchildren
Nine Great Grandchildren
Many nieces, nephews and cousins.
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Facts
Place Of Birth: Noble County, IN
Place of Death; Sebring, FL
Death: October 21, 2010
Occupation: Insurance Claims Manager
Wausau Insurance Company
Organizations; V.F.W. Post #4300
Commander Of The Honor Guard
American Legion Post #69
Moose Lodge #2259
Elks Lodge #2548
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Guestbook
10/23/2010 - Brandy Lynn Kidder
John Smart was my Grandfather. My most memorable time with him was when I was in Kindergarden and we went to visit him for Christmas. He took us to Disney Land. Grandpa went with me on Space Mountain. I was so afraid to go on it, but he assured me it would be safe. We got into the cart and waited on the ride to start. Once the ride started, I was fine. I quickly found out that he was just as nervous as I had been! He held on to me so tight and I remember telling him that I couldn't breathe. That was many many years ago, but I remember it just like it happened yesterday. We didn't get to see each other very often because of where we live, but every time we did get together, it was like we picked up where we left off the time before. I loved every minute I did get to spend with him. I loved him very much and will miss him greatly.
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10/23/2010 - Bill Peters
It was an honor to have known John and serve in the VFW Post 4300 Honor Guard under his leadership. My thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie and all of the family at this time.
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10/24/2010 - William and Carol Glenn
Bonnie (and family), We are in VA visiting grandchildren and just read the obit in the News Sun. Sorry for your loss. We know it has been a hard fight but hopefully you will be more at ease knowing John is now well protected now by the supreme commander.
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10/26/2010 - Jacqueline Califano-Piccirilli
My deepest sympathies go out to the family. Love to you all.
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11/01/2010 - Diana and Matt McConnell
Bonnie and family, Matt and I have very heavy hearts over the loss of John. You two have been such a wonderful part of our lives and mom and dad's lifes. We love you both very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Diana(Brown) McConnell
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11/02/2010 - Elizabeth Seymore
I'll never forget all the wonderful memories with Uncle John. I remember being so excited when he and Aunt Bonnie would come to Elkhart to visit. My most vivid memory was of him using an old-fashioned video camera (1986) that weighed a million pounds and videotaped my brother David and I making up newscasts for a day and a 1/2. He just sat there patiently and encouraged us to be creative. He even took close ups of the "peeker" when he was walking down the street. I would love to watch that video now!
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01/22/2011 - Shondria Nicole Smart (Rangel)
John Smart was my grandfather..he was the BEST man in the world, I loved him with all of my heart. There were so many times we shared 2gether that I cannot even put n2 words what it ment 2 me. He was amazing....there was never a time that when I had a chance 2 see my grandpa that I didn't take advantage 2 spend as much time with him as I could because we didn't see each other much because of the distance between us. He was the most honest, loving, caring man that ever lived and I miss him already so much. There are so many memories I could share but it would take a lifetime! He and grandma Bonnie are 2 of the MOST important people in my life and still 2 this day that will never ever change!!! Grandpa I love u and I miss u and I know your watching over me and I think about u everyday.....
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01/22/2011 - Charlene K Smart
John Smart was my father in law and he was the most caring, loving, patient man that I have ever known and I was lucky enuff 2 be his daughter in law. I remember when he would always give me a hard time about my OCD and he would always tell me 2 relax and laugh at me...I still 2 this very day cannot believe he is gone and we sit and think about him on a daily basis. We loved him with all of our heart and he is 1 of the best men that ever walked this earth. My thoughts are with my mother in law Bonnie at this time 2, she is just as great of a woman as John was a man. We love you all very much....
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