Dennis Lee Smart

A bachelor’s graduate of California State University Sacramento and a master’s graduate of National University, Dennis spent most years of his life in Placerville, CA, with his wife Suzanne and their son Ken, where he worked as a correctional officer for the California Youth Authority. Dennis and Suzanne moved to Maricopa, AZ, in 2008 to be closer to their grandchildren. Throughout the years, the couple enjoyed downhill skiing, motorcycle riding, camping in their RV, and taking many vacations. Dennis was always a great friend, father, and grandfather. If you needed his help, he would drop anything to be there for someone he cared for. This was most evident as he helped Suzanne through her battle against cancer for many years.

Dennis is preceded in death by his wife Suzanne, daughter-in-law Kate Smart, siblings Richard Smart, Patsy Rush, Joanne Smart, and parents James and Odell Smart. He is survived by his son Ken Smart of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren Rachel Smart of Flagstaff, AZ; Brian Smart of Chandler, AZ; and Daniel Smart of Mesa, AZ. Memorial services will be held at Lakeside Mortuary, 1815 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202. Services are scheduled at 2:00pm on Saturday, Aug. 14.

While not a contributing factor in his own death, cancer deeply affected Dennis' life. Donations can be made in Dennis' honor to the National Cancer Society, cancer.org, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.