Curtis Eugene Smart, 60, was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 18, 1957 to the union of Clifford Ralph Smart and Carolyn B. Smart. On June 28, 2003 he was preceded in death by his father. His paternal and maternal grandparents also preceded him in death.

Curtis attended schools in the Kansas City Public School District, graduating from Paseo High School in 1976. On August 25, 1977 Curtis joined the United States Air Force in which he became a Wing/Base Security Police Specialist. He received a ribbon in Smallarms Expect Marksmanship. After receiving an honorable discharge, Curtis returned to his birth place and started working at the family owned restaurant "Smart's Palace" located at 1007 E. Ninth. Cooking was his passion and also became his career. He later moved back to Kansas City and worked at numerous five star restaurants throughout the metro area, becoming one of the best self-taught chefs. If you asked Curtis what his favorite dish to prepare was, he would give you a look and reply in the most confident voice, "ANYTHING". Curtis was at the height of his career in 2005 when he suffered a stroke that left him confined to a wheelchair at the young age of 48. Curtis also had a big heart for music and would rock out to his all-time favorite band Earth Wind & Fire.

On Wednesday, July 4,2018, the Lord who doeth all things well, saw fit to call Curtis Eugene Smart from labor to reward, where he will rest eternally.

Curtis leaves one son Dana Knight of Kansas City; his mother Carolyn B. Smart- Young; stepfather Bobby Joe Young; four brothers Ronald M. Smart, Clifford Smart, Jr., Micheal L. Smart all of Kansas City and Antonio Smart- Durden of Wichita, KS; three sisters Rosalyn K. Smart, Apryle B. Smart and Stacey M. Gordon (Rodney) all of Kansas City; two grandchildren and a host of loving uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, great nieces, and cousins to celebrate his life, spirit, laughter, and" song". Curtis will truly be missed by all whom crossed his path.