Pastor Dr. Cleytus David Malone

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant..."— Matthew 25:21

Pastor, Dr. Cleytus David Malone, 83, was born in Athens, Alabama, Limestone County, on April 18, 1943, to Mr. & Mrs. Dannie Malone and departed this life to make his journey home on Friday, June 19th, 2026, at Union Hospital.

In 1946, Cleytus and his family moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he found the Lord at a young age at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Cleytus attended Otter Creek High School, where he was an outstanding track and basketball athlete, graduating in 1961. He later attended Indiana State University, graduating with a B.S. degree in Science and Physical Education in 1966. He later received his master's degree in science in 1973 and a doctoral degree from Trinity Theological Seminary in 1998.

On December 22, 1962, Cleytus married his inspiration, Silver Ruth Barksdale Malone, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Terre Haute, Indiana. To this union, two children were raised in love: Carlton Dwayne Malone and Stacie Lynn Malone Wright. Cleytus was a devoted dad and provider for his family daily.

Cleytus was a dad figure for many in our community, church, and schools. He first taught in the Ft. Wayne, Indiana, school system and then the Vigo County School Corporation for 34 years.

Cleytus taught Biology and Life Science, retiring as an At-Risk counselor within the corporation. He coached basketball, track, football, and loved all the students he taught and coached.

Cleytus was not a man of many words, unless preaching, but when he spoke, he meant what he said.

Cleytus pastored Second Missionary Baptist Church for 32½ years, leading many souls to Christ. He served as Moderator of the Southwest District Association for the Indiana State Baptist State Convention, also holding the state office as third vice president of the convention for 8 years. Cleytus was also the president of the Ministers and Deacons Convention at the State level. He taught courses in the seminary for 24 years. Cleytus founded and operated Jonah, Inc., a housing organization developed to build affordable housing in the City of Terre Haute since 1997-present. Cleytus founded and operated the Terre Haute Youth Intervention Center for wayward boys and operated Silver Lining Day Care. He later became the Director of the Charles T. Hyte Community Center, where he served on numerous boards and organizations.

Cleytus received his CDL and drove a semi-truck as a hobby. He also loved hunting, fishing, bowling, fixing up old cars, and painting them. One of Cleytus’s greatest joys in life was watching his great-grandson, Casen Kelley, play the game of basketball, and he would be the first one at the games, often arriving before the team did.

Cleytus has achieved several awards and accomplishments down through the years, which include Excellence in teaching, awarded in 1988 and 1998, honored by the city of Terre Haute for serving Second Missionary Baptist Church for 25 years. Honored by the City for serving minority youth in 1998. Member of the Governor's task force for the State of Indiana. Cleytus was also recognized as one of Terre Haute’s Black American Leaders and Trailblazers in teaching, preaching, and community development.

Cleytus was preceded in death by his parents, Danny and Willie Malone, wife, Silver, married for 45 years, daughter Stacie, sister, Danella Hatfield, brothers Frank and Herman Maples, and granddaughters Jasmine Malone and Shelby Wright.

Cleytus leaves fond memories to be cherished by his son, Elder C. Dwayne Malone (Irene), son-in-law Sean Wright (Stacie-deceased), granddaughters, Paige, Shyla, and Syndi, grandson, Sean, and great-grandson, Casen. Close family/friends, Hurley and Lena Johnson, God Children, Zina and Shari, special friend Donna, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 2367 7th Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47803. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Sprowl Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the Malone family during their time of remembrance. 

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