Thaddeus Cordell Smart

Thaddeus Cordell Smart, aged 52, fell asleep in death on Friday, June 6, 2025, at his home in Antwerp, Ohio.

Thadd was born on April 23, 1973, in Kendallville, Indiana, to Jack and Cindy Smart. He grew up in Syracuse, Indiana, where he excelled in sports and developed many talents. Among these, he showed a particular aptitude for the building trades—skills he learned early on and carried with him throughout his life. He graduated from Wawasee High School in 1991.

On October 3, 1998, Thadd married Cindy Starbuck. Over the course of their 27-year marriage, Thadd proved to be a devoted and loving husband. He stepped into the role of father with care and conviction, helping raise three young sons as his own.

Much of Thadd’s working life was spent alongside his father, Jack, in construction. He also worked for many years with friends at Superior Systems Inc., and later became known as a handyman, a true jack-of-all-trades who was always willing to help.

In 2015, Thadd suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him disabled. Yet despite the many challenges of the past ten years, his kind demeanor and playful spirit remained. He had a unique ability to make others smile, even in the hardest of times and without a sound.

Thadd will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Thaddeus is survived by:

A wife, Cindy Smart of Antwerp, Ohio.

Two Stepsons, Aaron Starbuck and William Starbuck of Fort Wayne, IN.

A sister, Tracy (Rich) Morgan of Syracuse, IN.

A brother, Jared (Jennifer) Smart of Kendallville, IN.

A Father, Jack Smart of Syracuse, IN.

Ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren, three nieces and two nephews.

Thadd was preceded in death by:

A Mother, Cindy Lu Smart.

A Stepson, Brooks Starbuck.

A Memorial Gathering for Thadd will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Veterans Memorial Park in Syracuse, Indiana at 4:00pm.