Couple who found body to use reward for scholarships

DIAMOND, Mo. -- The couple who helped find the body of a southwest Missouri school superintendent will use part of the $15,000 reward to fund scholarships in his name.

Brian and Kim Shaner of Diamond accepted the reward money earlier this week. The reward, totaling $15,125, was funded by friends of the late Diamond school superintendent, Greg Smith.

Smith disappeared Oct. 31 while on his way to the district's bus barn. His body was found 11 days later, in his car submerged in a pond on the Shaners' property north of Diamond.

Authorities have not said how Smith died, but an autopsy showed no immediate signs of foul play.

The Shaners said they prayed and consulted their pastor, family and friends before deciding to claim the reward money. One of their concerns was the source of the reward money.

"Had the money come directly from the Smith family, we would not have claimed it," Brian Shaner said.

He said he and his wife would be able to use the money for family obligations, but also planned to establish the scholarship fund and provide funds for a missions project at their church, Calvary Chapel of Joplin.

The Shaners had a private meeting with Smith's widow, Barbara, and her father on Monday.

"I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of our family and friends who so generously offered the reward," Barbara Smith said after the meeting. "I'll always be grateful for their gesture of kindness and concern.

"I'm also very thankful for Mr. and Mrs. Shaner and their help in ending the search for my husband," she said. "To establish a scholarship in Greg's name and to provide money for mission work will be a wonderful tribute."

Brian Shaner is the manager of a lawn and garden department for a Carthage company. His wife stays home with their three young children.