Dayton Scott Lange

Dayton Scott Lange went to be wrapped safely in the arms of Jesus on August 20, 2026, at the age of 18. He was born on October 4, 2007, in Rolla, Missouri, to Alexander Scott Lange and Chelsie LeeAnn Schwane. Dayton was a 2026 graduate of Nevada High School and was attending the Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada, Missouri. High school is where he truly began his love for welding and started learning the trade, though his original interest came from watching his dad and hoping to one day follow in his footsteps. Dayton’s journey was not always an easy one, but one of the things that made his story so special was just how far he had come. There was once a time when graduating high school didn’t seem certain, but Dayton put in the work, pushed through life’s hurdles, and proved that he was capable of more than many people may have expected. He not only graduated, but immediately began working toward a career and future he could be proud of. He took immense pride in learning a trade, working hard, and building a successful life for himself. Though his life ended far too soon, he had already accomplished so much and was becoming the man he was determined to be. Dayton had a personality that was absolutely impossible to forget. He wasn’t a perfect kid, and he certainly didn’t try to be. With his crooked smile, deep dimples, and beautifully ornery streak, he brought plenty of laughter, a little chaos, and more than his fair share of mischief wherever he went. Dayton lived life at full speed and to its absolute fullest, frequently keeping his momma on her toes. He loved loud music, modified and squatted vehicles, and was in the middle of converting one of his own. He loved fishing with his brothers and his dad’s BBQ, which was always something he looked forward to. Yet underneath all that boyish grit and ornery personality was a fiercely kind heart, an unshakeable loyalty, and a willingness to stand up for absolutely anyone. He had a way of making people laugh, making memories, and leaving an impression that could never be forgotten. Dayton leaves behind a legacy of laughter, grit, loyalty, growth, and perseverance. His life may have been far too short, but the memories he made and the impact he had on those who loved him will live on forever. Dayton is survived by his parents, Alexander and Chelsie of Nevada, Missouri; his sister, Adelynn Wagner; his grandparents, Steve and Gaylene Wells of Belle, Missouri, and Tracy Moitoza of Rolla, Missouri; his uncle, Bradley Wells (Brittany White and Bennett Wells), all of Belle, Missouri; his aunt, Lacie Schwane (Andrea Hare and Aspynn Schwane), all of Rolla, Missouri. He also leaves behind his loving second family, Shawn and Casey Pearson, and Nichole King and the boys who became his brothers, Dayton Dukes, Trenton Earl, Austin Lewis and Cody Souza all of Rolla, Missouri; and a large extended family, along with many close friends whom he considered family. Those to greet him in Heaven are his two grandfathers David Lange and William Moitoza and his bonus grandma Theresa Pearson. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Phelps County Fairgrounds in Rolla, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dayton’s memory to a scholarship fund for young men pursuing a career in Welding. Though Dayton was not given the opportunity to finish what he started, it is the family’s hope that this scholarship will help another young person complete their welding education and build the future Dayton was working so hard to create. Through this opportunity, they will carry on Dayton’s legacy and honor the journey he began. Donations may be made at any Legends Bank location by noting “Dayton Lange Memorial Fund,” or directly through Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, Missouri, which will serve as custodian of the fund.