Ellis says she never thought she'd be posting missing posters for her brother. “Nothing has ever happened in our family like this,” Ellis said. “The days keep going by and I feel like something needs to be done.”
Ellis called Bates’ friends and co-workers. “I called his work and they said that he wasn't there,” Ellis said. “They had said that he hadn't shown up for two days.” Ellis and her family started using social networking sites but still no answers. “He has never done this before not contacted anyone,” Ellis said.
The unusual absence of information led the family to file a missing person's report. “We are just trying to get in contact with him to make sure he is okay,” Ellis said. “That's all we want is just a phone call from him at least to know he is not hurt or worse God forbid something did happen to him.”
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Missing Persons Unit website, 675 other families are waiting for answers about their missing loved one. Sgt. Jon Erik Eidson says worried families should immediately contact law enforcement. “The family knows that individual better than anybody else,” Eidson said. “They can try to see through their financial records if they've had any banking activity.” Eidson also recommends checking with cell phone companies.
“We care about him and we want him to come home,” Ellis said. “He needs to call someone because we are really worried about him.” Anyone with any information about Bates can call their local law enforcement agency.
Family members say Bates was living and working in Springfield but he also visited Nixa often. They say he also frequently visits the lake area.
