Fred Benny Smart

Fred Smart, Mayor of Norwich, tomato aficionado, and a hero, died January 7, 2014. He was able to be at home in his last days, gazing out over his favorite place on earth, his backyard. To elevate his comfort he spent his last hours a few blocks away from Norwich at Hinds Hospice Home.

Fred was born in Strong, Ar. but his life was here in Fresno. The Smart clan of 12 kids was large and came to Fresno to be close to one another, including his Mama, Miss Minnie.

Fred served in the U.S. Army Air Force in WWII. He was a tail gunner on a B17, shot down over Germany, beaten by Hitler youth, marched and held captive in a POW camp for two years. The story of his war years would be enough to define him as a hero but there is more to his story.

Fred worked for Vendo as a machinist supervisor, until he retired. Although not schooled in engineering, Fred had a natural ability to solve manufacturing problems and easily fabricate the needed tool to keep the line moving. His inventiveness followed him his whole life, always finding a better way to do a task or make a device more functional.

The woman he fell for was Ruth Evans. They married, had kids, and stayed close with that big family he loved. Picnics at Kearney Park, camping at Huntington, Sunday afternoon visits with his mama to mow her lawn. He lead backpacking trips with his son and nephews, churned ice cream and gave boys their first haircuts. He loved kicking back on a summer afternoon with a stogie and a cold beer while listening to the Giants game on the radio.

Fred and Ruth enjoyed each moment life gave them. Their motor home and bass boat provided retirement adventure. When Multiple Sclerosis came into their lives, Fred was there for Ruthie. His selfless love and attention to her needs were remarkable. This is what defined him as a true hero to his family. He became her soft place to land, her hands and her feet. This was a love story to the very end and an example of a good man. It made us love him all the more. We grieve his loss but rejoice that the Lord has taken him home and Fred is dancing, once more with his Ruthie. A Sentimental Journey.

Fred is survived by the family he held so dear, son, Michael Smart and his wife Patricia; daughters, Barbara Smart Smith and her husband Patrick, and Marsha Smart Horner and her husband Ken. Fred took extreme pride in his grandchildren Shannon, Kelly, Jana and Marty. His great-grandchildren, Jake and Megan, Tori and Alayna, and Jake and Hunter brought joy whenever they visited. He also leaves behind his sister, Jessie Dunn and his favorite little buddy Kit the Cat.

A special hug and thanks to our family friend Debi Jo for her dedication to both Fred and Ruth's care throughout the past 14 years. To Freddie's team of lovelies Tina, Darlene, Catherine and Tammy...Bless you.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 16, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at New Covenant Community Church, 1744 E. Nees Ave., in Fresno. A Graveside Service will follow with military honors at Fresno Memorial Gardens.

The family asks that you consider a donation to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw Ave.,Fresno, CA 93711.