Stanley ‘Royal’ Smart Jr., 92

Born: Dec. 1, 1928, in Missoula, Montana

Died: Dec. 5, 2020, in Crystal Lake, Illinois

“Royal” as he was known by all, was raised in Missoula, Mont., the eldest of five boys. He attended Park College near Kansas City, Mo., where he met the love of his life, Aileen. They moved to Chicago, where he became a teacher.

After earning his master’s degree from DePaul University, he then became a principal in the Chicago Public Schools. He had a great heart for inner-city children. The family made their home in Palatine, Ill. He was a great example of love and devotion as he cared for Aileen when she became ill with Alzheimer’s disease.

He is survived by three of his brothers, Jim Smart, Doug (Dixie) Smart, and Ted (LeaAnne) Smart; his three children, Alan (Ladonna) Smart, Nancy (Chuck) Cain, and Sharon (Jim) McGregor’ seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was an avid tennis player and table tennis player. He competed in many Senior Olympic games across five states and received many medals. He loved spending summers at the family cabin on Flathead Lake in Montana, swimming, playing cards, singing around the campfire, and enjoying his family. He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in the choir at church. His birthday card ministry touched many lives. Most of all, he was a man of great faith. His commitment to God, his family, and the church was evident in all that he did. A Celebration of Life service will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake, Ill.