Malden, Missouri - Wes and Dianne Shelton have established two scholarships to honor the memory of his brother Reverend DeWayne Shelton. These two scholarships, in the amount of $2,000.00 each, will be awarded annually to two Malden High School seniors.

These scholarships are designed to encourage students to pursue excellence in their undergraduate studies in the context of a comprehensive commitment to DeWayne Shelton’s principles to his Christian faith while preparing to enter a career in their chosen field.

DeWayne Shelton was born June 1, 1939 in Malden, Missouri, the son of Wes and Louise Shelton. He attended Malden schools and graduated from Malden High School. He attended Southern Baptist College (Williams College) in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas and obtained his undergraduate degree from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. DeWayne was married to Sherron Benton Shelton and the couple were parents of three children, Wayne Shelton, Scott Shelton, and Pamela Ann Shelton. At the time of his death he was an ordained minister, pastor of Stanfield Baptist Church, and an English teacher at Malden High School. He had previously been a professor at Williams College.

He consistently exhibited a disciplined life of faith, giving, and caring of ones who were less fortunate and placing the interests of others above his own. He was one who lived his faith daily in his interactions with others. DeWayne never gave up even against great obstacles in achieving his college degrees or other challenges in life.

Through these life experiences he was able to instill in others the same passion to overcome negative circumstances. DeWayne’s students at Malden High School were better prepared to face the challenges of life after being exposed to his teaching and his presence. He had a positive impact on numerous students during his brief two years as a teacher.

One of his prior students Mrs. Karen Kilmer Hoehn stated “He demonstrated a genuine awareness of and consideration for the ideas, opinions and feelings of others during his interactions with students.

As a testament of his generosity and his trust in individuals, DeWayne would allow her and other Journalism students to use his personal vehicle to sell ads for the annual. As a Student Council Officer, she was one of the students who assisted in the seating of individuals attending the memorial service in the Malden High School gym. She recalls the positive impression it left on her when seeing the vast number of individuals from all walks of life that came to pay their respect to him.”

The 2013 recipients of the DeWayne Shelton Memorial Scholarships, which was designated for seniors attending Three Rivers Community College, were Taylor Vantrease and Donielle Fisher. To further enhance the financial benefit of these two scholarships the 2014 scholarships will be open to all seniors who plan to attend college.