John Smart

John L. Smart, 89, of Frankston, passed away May 22, 2016 in Athens, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016 in the Prairie Grove Cemetery. John was born in Shiloh, Texas on October 5, 1926 to John Lafayette and Mary Katherine Johnson Smart. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and also in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a truck driver for many years, prior to retirement. John married the love of his life, Vona Phillips, in 1944 and they were blessed with four children, Cathey, John, Jr., Stan and Cynthia. Working hard and providing for his family was his goal in life. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He enjoyed reading, going fishing and playing dice games at the Casinos. He was, also, an active member of the Teamsters Local Union #745 and the VFW. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Vona Smart; and seven siblings. John is survived by his children, Cathey Smart of Red Oak, TX; John L. Smart, Jr. and wife, Suzanne of Nevada, TX, Stan Smart and wife, Teri of Garland, TX and Cynthia Strickland and husband, Greg of Buffalo,TX; eight grandchildren, Katie Bishop and husband, Bryan, Lisa Palla and husband, Steve, Michael Parker and wife, Anna, Ryan Smart, Nathan Smart, Jennifer Smart, Sarah-Kate Strickland and Samuel Strickland; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; brother, Bob Smart of Andrews, TX; sisters, Dorothy Morgan Smart of Angleton and Mary Margarette Smart O’Fallin of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.