Emmitt Durwood Smart

Emmitt Durwood Smart, affectionately known as “Papa”, passed away on November 28, 2025, at the age of 81 at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto, California. Born on September 3, 1944, in Hardesty, Oklahoma. Emmitt lived a life defined by hard work, service, and deep affection for the people around him.

Emmitt grew up in Hardesty and graduated from Hardesty High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army for several years. After serving his country he moved his family to California and joined the IBEW 332 and worked as an electrician. Upon retiring from IBEW Emmitt moved to Alaska. He spent many years exploring the beautiful state and working for Alaska Leather. Later in life he worked as a sales associate with Johnson Lumber Ace Hardware, in Morgan Hill, California. He became known for his friendly spirit, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand to anyone who needed one. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went and cherished staying connected with both old acquaintances and new ones.

Above all, Emmitt treasured his family. His daily walks, his time at Ace Hardware, and every conversation shared along the way were reflections of the simple joys he valued most.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester Smart and Earlene Williams Smart; his siblings, Joe Smart, Edith Smart, and Larry Smart; and his grandson, Nicolas Scott Martinez-Cimino.

Emmitt is survived by a loving and extensive family who will continue to honor his memory: his children, Regina Martinez, James Smart, and Joanna Smart; his grandchildren, Penie Martinez, Noah Martinez, Tabitha Martinez, Indiana Windrose, Hunter Windrose, Jordan Windrose, Devin Burmingham and Trevor Smart; and his great-grandchildren, Cruz Ryan Martinez and Wells Vincent-Scott Martinez.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Emmitt’s memory to:

Coast Guard Foundation

394 Taugwonk Road

Stonington, CT 06378

Prefer to donate by phone? Call 860-535-0786.