John Allan Smart

John Allan Smart, 82 of Magnolia, Ark. passed away on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011 at the Christus St. Michael Health System. He was born on July 15, 1928 in Morrilton, Ark. to the late John Claus "Jack" Smart and Helen Marie (Haynes) Smart. He was a student at the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he joined the Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity. He received his Masters of Science degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1954 and then began his teaching career at Southern Arkansas University. He retired from Southern Arkansas University where he taught Chemistry and was head of that department, and he attended the First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed participating in musicals at Southern Arkansas University which included "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", "1776", and "Kiss Me Kate". He attended good music programs and was a member of the Shreveport Symphony Society. John loved to travel and went with various groups to interesting places in North America. He was a history buff and a real scholar of the Civil War and the history of our Country. He was a past president of the Magnolia Arts Council, and a major supporter of the Sidewalk Art Show. John is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Mary Hardy. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Grear Smart of Magnolia; one son, Larry Smart and wife Kathie of Rowlett, Texas; one daughter, Susan Smart Gutierrez and husband Chris of Shreveport, La.; three grandchildren, John Tyler Smart and Ashley Marie Smart both of Rowlett, Texas, Andrew Swan of Shreveport, La.; and a number of nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services were held at 2: p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 with the Rev. Mike Morgan officiating. Burial will followed at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Magnolia. Visitation with the family was held Thursday beginning at 1 p.m. at the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Southern Arkansas University Science Department. Active pallbearers will be Camerson Dodson, Richard Murphy, Dr. Scott Boaz, Dr. Pierre Bomtje, Dr. Carson Davis, and Dr. Dan Dykema. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Downs, T.G. Connelly, and Sterling Lacy. www.lewisfuneralhome.biz.