Thomas Max Smart

Thomas Max Smart 1921 ~ 2005 The world is a little less wonderful today because our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend is not in it. Thomas Max Smart left this earth to be with his Savior on December 25, 2005. Tom (known as Max in his youth) was born March 21, 1921 in Preston, Idaho to Vernal and Clothiel Clayton Smart. Sadly, his father died six months later in a hunting accident. Loving grandparents, aunts and uncles stepped forward to help his mother raise little Max. In the small town of Preston, Tom met and later married his high school sweetheart, Claradean Goaslind. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS Logan Temple on February 25, 1943. Through 62 years of marriage, the love between them was inspirational. Their union was blessed with three children. Tom was always generous with expressions of love and appreciation to his family. From an early age, Tom took great pleasure in music, and his talent on the trumpet became apparent. He excelled in his school bands, Navy band and The Men of Note, a dance band that entertained patrons of the Fort Douglas Officers' Club in Salt Lake City for 25 years. He also taught trumpet to students at Westminster College. Tom sang in and conducted many church choirs with an innate talent and flair that brought joy to others and himself. He served in the US Navy during World War II as a Chief Petty Officer. Tom was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in bishoprics, leadership and teaching assignments. He served a mission to the North Central States. He and Claradean served a leadership mission in the Salt Lake City area. Tom, Claradean and the children lived in Idaho, Utah and Colorado before settling in Salt Lake City where Tom worked as a mortician and funeral director for Larkin Mortuary. He felt honored to help grieving families, and his kindness was very much appreciated. In retirement, Tom and Claradean enjoyed "snowbirding" in St. George, Utah. Tom had a talent for connecting with people. It seems that everywhere he went he either met an old friend or made a new one. He will be missed by so many people. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Claradean, children Kathy (Ron) King, Sparks, NV; Cindy (Steve) Lewis, Taylorsville, UT; and Michael (Karen) Smart, Boise, ID; grandchildren Matt, Amy, Jon, Stephanie, Kellie, Tim, Annie, Allison, Megan, Peter, Sara; five great-grandchildren; sister Karen (Ross) Hansen, Preston, ID; and brother Carlyle (Shirley) Bowers, Kaysville, UT. Many nieces and nephews will also miss "Uncle Max." The family wishes to thank Dr. Steven Towner, Dr. Clyde Ford and their wonderful staff, and the nurses at LDS Infusion Therapy Dept., staff at Highland Cove, Garden Terrace and Affinity Hospice. Words cannot express our deep gratitude for your kind and compassionate care of our Dad. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 30, 2005, 11 a.m., at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., where friends and family may call Thursday evening 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday morning 10 - 10:45 a.m. Interment, Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery. www.larkinmortuary.com.