Dr. John R. Smart III, MSPH, D.O., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, Christian, and physician, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at Casey County Hospital, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was 70 years old.
Born on February 16, 1955, in Boonville, Missouri, John was the son of the late John Robert Smart Jr. and Mildred Louise Smart (Fleer). He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Methodist College, a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of Missouri, and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Smart devoted more than 47 years to the practice of medicine and the care of his patients. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served as Medical Director and primary physician at several hospitals and medical facilities across Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky. He also served as a Clinical Professor of Family Practice at the Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine, mentoring and shaping future physicians. For the past decade, he faithfully cared for Casey County and the surrounding communities as a family primary care physician at Casey County Primary Care. Known for his compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication to medicine, Dr. Smart made a lasting impact on countless patients and colleagues. His many honors included being named Outstanding Alumnus at Central Methodist College and receiving the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. He was also a proud member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity.
Beyond his medical career, John found great joy in music. An avid amateur musician and bass guitarist, he performed alongside his wife in their band, Class Act. Music was not only a passion but also a source of relaxation and renewal for him. He was also an enthusiastic collector with a deep appreciation for history and nostalgia. His home reflected his lifelong love of collecting—especially antique board games and Lionel train sets spanning decades. His treasured collections also included nutcrackers, cookie jars, lunch boxes, arrowheads, pinball machines, and many other unique items. He often shared that these collections kept alive the wonder of childhood and brought him immense happiness. In recent years, he frequently spoke of his dream to retire, build elaborate train layouts, and share his beloved collections with his grandchildren.
John is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Debra “Debbie” Smart; his children, Kevin (April), Ryan (Kelsey), and Kimberly; and his four cherished grandchildren, Emery, Lainey, Eleanor, and Kade, who lovingly called him “Paca.” He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn McGettigan (Jim); his niece, Carrie Borgman; his brother- and sister-in-law, Barbara and Doug Stiles; and his nephew, Andrew Stiles.
A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on February 15, 2026, at Southern Oaks Funeral Home in Somerset, Kentucky. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. in Chapel A, with funeral services following at 2:30 p.m.
Burial will take place immediately afterward in the adjoining Southern Oaks Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. All other monetary donations can be made HERE and will be donated to the A.T. Still University Osteopathic School of Medicine Scholarship Fund on behalf of the family.
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