Thomas Smart

Thomas Dee “Tom” Smart, 75, of Branson West, MO, passed away peacefully at 3:30 a.m. on May 27, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Tom was born June 26, 1950, in Springfield, MO, to Dale and Othel (Roberts) Smart at Mercy Hospital (formerly St. John’s). He spent most of his childhood between Springfield and Muskogee, OK. Tom graduated from Glendale High School in Springfield in 1968 and joined the Army just after turning 18 years old. He served on active duty in both the Army and the Marines from 1968 to 1977. A jack of all trades, Tom worked as an electrician and in IT, eventually retiring following a stint as the director of maintenance at the College of the Ozarks.

Tom was a devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Mimi (Butler), and a proud father to his four children: Rebekkah, John, Mimi, and Amanda.

Tom was a talented recreational boxer in high school, as well as an avid golfer who at one time entertained the idea of pursuing golf full-time. He spent many years golfing at Greene Hills Country Club in Willard, MO, but enjoyed playing courses all over the country.

He was a generous and loving person known for helping those who were down on their luck or needed a hand up. The year he retired, Tom surprised his entire family with a cruise to the Western Caribbean. He was deeply devoted to his family.

Tom and Mimi were fortunate to spend most of their later years traveling around the country, spending many of their winters on the beaches of Southern Texas and Florida. They also enjoyed riding their trike on their trips and back home in Missouri.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mimi; his four children, Rebekkah (Steve) Hollabaugh of McKinney, TX, John (Lori) Smart of Willard, MO, Mimi Oliphant (Nick Milnes) of Branson, MO, and Amanda (Rick) George of Springfield, MO; 11 grandchildren, Britain (Amy) Seaburn of Fort Irwin, CA, Brandon Hollabaugh of Providence Village, TX, Austyn (Brandon) Porter of Kansas City, MO, Dylan (Alisha) Fieker of Willard, MO, Lauren Hollabaugh of McKinney, TX, Zacharie Landis (Emily Knight) of Kissee Mills, MO, Alexis (Jessi) Laughlin of Brown Branch, MO, John “Christian” (Amy) Smart of St. Robert, MO, Haley (Trevor) Johnson of Haslet, TX, Jacob (Trista) Landis of Springfield, MO, and Brittney (Spencer) Young of Willard, MO; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Connie Pace of Nixa, MO; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ronald; his sister, Sally; and his brother-in-law, Mike Pace.

Tom, Mimi, and their children were very involved with their church over the years. The family takes deep peace in knowing that Tom accepted Jesus as his Savior and finds comfort in knowing they will see him again someday.

A celebration of life will be held on June 6, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kimberling Area Senior Center in Kimberling City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kimberling City VFW

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.