Thomas Smart

Thomas J. Smart, age 51, of Jenison passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 14, 2016 and is now home with his Lord and Savior. Tom was a loving and compassionate man who gave to his community, his family and above all his Lord. He served in many ways, including Jenison Football Boosters, Georgetown Little League Board of Directors and Umpiring Chief, and a MHSAA Registered Baseball Umpire. Tom took great joy in volunteering with the Special Olympics as a baseball umpire and with their downhill skiing events. He also was a major influence with the Alma College softball program for several years. He was actively involved at Hager Park Church serving as an elder and deacon, singing on the praise team and serving on multiple mission trips to Guatemala with Paradise Bound Ministries. He faithfully worked at STM Manufacturing for almost 33 years, most recently as an Estimating Manager and Die Specialist. He enjoyed spending time hunting, snowmobiling, riding dirt bikes with his family, and motorcycle road trips with his wife. It gave him great joy to be involved with his children’s activities; he was their number one fan. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 29 years, Janet; children, Tommy, Kayla, Boyd Smart; he was a special papa to his grandson, Brayden; mother, Muriel Smart; sister, Jane and Randy Klingenberg; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Harry DeHaan, Carol and Eric Carlson, Chris and Doug DeHaan, Michelle Morgan, Paul and Kelly Sprik; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. He will also be treasured by many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, George Smart; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Hubert and Barbara Sprik; sister-in-law, Patt DeHaan; brother-in-law, Bill Morgan; uncles, John Smart, Pete Roon, Russ Roon; aunt, Grace Roon. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 11:30 am at Jenison High School Performing Arts Center, 8375 20^th Ave., Jenison (enter off Bauer), with Pastor Mark Kleinheksel officiating. Interment Rusk Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 2-4 and 6-9 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and on Saturday from 10:30-11:30 am prior to the service at the Performing Arts Center. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Paradise Bound Ministries or Georgetown Little League.