Clarence Smart

Clarence L. "Bud" Smart November 24, 1923 ~ April 28, 2015 Our Dad, Clarence "Bud" L. Smart, 91, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2015. He was born November 24, 1923, in Fort Morgan, CO to Elmer and Mabel Smart. He was the younger of two sons. His early childhood was spent in the Entiat Valley and later at Olds Station in Wenatchee. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, serving in the infantry, where he earned expert marksman. He also worked in the motor pool. He served in Europe, Africa and India. He was on the beaches of Normandy and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Bud was awarded a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and various other medals. Service to his country was always a source of great pride for him. Upon discharge from the Army, he learned the trade of auto body repair at a local dealership. For a short time, he was an insurance adjuster. In the mid-50's, he began a towing service and operated a service station. Due to limited storage area for cars, he purchased land north of Wenatchee and opened a wrecking yard. For the next 50 plus years, anyone who needed a used auto part could find it at "Smart's Auto Wrecking." Bud's real passion was auto body repair and auto painting, becoming a meticulous craftsman. He spent much of his life working six days a week. He was a respected businessman, known for his dedication, hard work and honesty, and was always willing to help. Bud's first son, Daniel, was born in 1951. In 1961, Bud met and married Ruth Edmondson Tolliver. Ruth had three children, Dennis, Jim and Cheryl, and together, Bud and Ruth had two more children, Tracy and Clarence Jr. "Corky". Bud was a stern, but loving father. He took great pride in his children's accomplishments and was always supportive. In his later years, his work ethic and need to stay busy kept him working the wrecking yard long past retirement age. He and Ruth bought a motorhome and spent several winters going to Arizona. He also spent hours reading and researching World War II. His military service had a lasting effect on the rest of his life. We will miss him greatly, but Dad is free from suffering and forever reunited with our beautiful mom. Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents, Elmer and Mabel; and brother, Bob. Bud is survived by his children, Dan Smith, Corky Smart, Tracy and Robin Kansky, Dennis and Kathie Tolliver, Cheryl Tolliver-Jones, and Jim and Tanya Tolliver; 18 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. The family extends a special thank you to Colonial Vista caregivers and nurses, who looked after dad these past few years. A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at Wenatchee City Cemetery. Viewing will be Tuesday, May 5, 2015, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local veterans at American Legion Post 10, Wenatchee and VFW Post 3617, East Wenatchee. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Clarence Smart

November 24, 1923 - April 28, 2015