Roger Marion Smart, born March 22, 1942, passed away on September 3, 2026 at the NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City.
Roger dearly loved his hometown of Pittsburg, KS, calling it the “real Pittsburg.” He attended College High School, where he met Annette in their senior year. They married in 1965, and he graduated with an accounting degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg (Pittsburg State University). He spent his entire career working for TWA.
Roger was adventurous, moving his young family to Saudi Arabia, and living there for 7 years. Upon their return to the states, they moved to Lake Waukomis where he and Annette lived for over 30 years. He loved warm weather, and he and Annette fulfilled their dream of becoming Winter Texans for 20 years. Many nice days were spent on his motorcycle. And, one of his favorite stories to tell was of how he and a friend flew around the world on a weekend. For his 70th birthday, he marked skydiving off his bucket list.
He was also active and dedicated to his health. Early in life, he enjoyed sailing, scuba diving, waterskiing, softball, and volleyball. He was always very athletic and could do a backflip on a trampoline in his 40’s. In his later years, he walked regularly, played pickleball, and enjoyed golf. He even got a hole in one once. He was a sports fan and liked to watch the Chiefs and Royals as well as golf.
Roger appreciated the English language and enjoyed writing. He was known by family and friends for being friendly, neighborly, and welcoming. He was loyal, generous, and funny. He wore t-shirts and hats with sayings just to strike up a conversation on his walks. He would call you by name if he knew it; if not, he loved to say, “howdy neighbor” to everyone else.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Bertha Smart. And, by his sister, Frances Ann Graham.
Roger is survived by his wife of 61 years, Annette Smart; his sister Kathleen Sharp; children Rick Smart (Bethany) and Nikki Kramer (J.J.); grandchildren Ksenia Smart, Annika Smart and Leila Kramer.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 8 at 2:00 p.m. at Platte Woods United Methodist Church located at 7310 NW Prairie View Rd., Platte Woods, MO 64151 with a celebration of life service following at 3:00 p.m. Feel free to wear something casual and colorful. It was his wish to be cremated. In lieu of flowers, we suggest you do something nice for your neighbor in Roger’s honor as this was his favorite way to give back to the community.
