Stewart Wayne Selves, 65, of Kennett, son of the late Elden Stewart Selves and the late Wanda Lou Selves Connell, was born December 18, 1956 and died January 2, 2022.

His sister, Lou Ann Selves, of Memphis, survives as well as his companion of many years, Pam Bunch.

Stewart grew up in Kennett, where he enjoyed summers swimming on the Kennett Swim Team, lifeguarding at the Kennett Country Club pool, playing a mean 18 holes of golf, and skiing many rivers and lakes. He graduated with the Kennett Class of 1975.  Following graduation and various jobs under his belt, he settled into a 10-year career as a Banquet Captain at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Tux and all – he took great pride in overseeing all details with catering – whether it was a private meal for a movie star guest or a banquet planned for 500.  Following the Peabody, he decided to go back to school and earn a Bachelor's Degree from Arkansas State University in Agriculture.  Degree in hand, he then began a 14-year career as a Senior Research Specialist in soybean breeding and genetics with the University of Missouri Fisher Delta Research Center in Portageville. The Department reached out to say Stewart took great pride in his work as the head of the Seed Composition Lab in the FDRC Soybean Breeding Program, and was admired and respected by colleagues across the state and nation. It was common to see Stewart cross-pollinating in the extreme heat, running a combine, carrying armloads of plants or unloading endless bags of seeds. They went on to say his enormous contributions, both professional and personal will not be forgotten.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Graveside services will be at 1:00pm, Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett, Missouri with Reverend Margaret Burnett officiating.  Masks are recommended.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett, Missouri will be in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Presbyterian Church, 22 North Main Street, Kennett, MO 63857.