Donald Smart

Donald Leroy Smart, 88, of Sebring, Florida, formerly of Kendallville, IN died at home November 25, 2023.  He was born in Whitley County, Indiana on October 26, 1935, the eldest son of Clifford L. and Margaret E. Smart. He married Mary Lou Wolf April 24, 1954 and she preceded him in death April 29, 2011.     

Don remarried Roberta Stroh on September 29, 2012 in Kendallville, IN and moved to Sebring, FL fulltime in 2019.  Don loved spending time with his family and friends, playing cards and games.  He also loved listening to soft music, riding his adult trike, taking walks and rides and holding Roberta’s hand. 

Don had the assurance of going home to heaven by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone.  He was a member of Whispering Pines Baptist Church in Sebring, FL where he was loved by everyone who knew him. 

Don’s main employment was with Flint & Walling for more than 30 years and Quick Tanks for 20 years, both in Kendallville, IN.  He started working at age 17 and moved his way up to supervisory positions at both companies.  He was always humbled at being promoted because of his lack of education.  But looking back he saw God’s hand in it all. 

Don is survived by his loving wife, Roberta Rosebrock Stroh Smart, daughter Vicki McNamara of Auburn, IN, daughter Donna (John) McCoy of Albion, IN, and son-in-law Bill Altimus;  grandchildren Vince Coleman of Ashley, IN, Sarah (Shannon) Earnest of Ashley, IN, Dawn (Greg) Stewart of Wawaka, IN and Brandy Howard of Wawaka, IN; ten great grandchildren, 14 great great grandchildren and counting, and brother Jerry (Sue) Smart of Wolcottville, IN, plus numerous relatives and friends. Through marriage to Roberta is son, Ross Stroh of St. Louis, MO, daughter, Debra (Scott) Wiley of Leesburg, IN and granddaughter Baylee of Leesburg. Don’s parents, daughter Barbara Altimus, sister Rosalie Wilson, sister Judy Russell, brother Kenny Smart and grandchild Kim Beechy Huff preceded him in death. 

Family invites you to Don’s memorial service which will be held at First Christian Church, 110 W. Waits Rd, Kendallville, IN on Wed. December 20, 2023 at 2p.m. officiated by Pastor Mike DiSanto.  Visitation begins at 1 p.m.  Fellowship follows the service.  On December 5, a memorial service for Don was also at Whispering Pines Baptist Church, 303 White Pine Dr., Sebring, FL with Pastor Greg Kinch officiating. 

Memorials may be given to Whispering Pines Baptist Church, Sebring, FL or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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