St. Clair County Sheriff's Office: Search for missing man continues

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the search for a missing man from rural Appleton City. Sheriff Scott Keeler explained on Saturday evening, Oct. 25, St. Clair County deputies responded to NW 400 Road in reference to Dale Miller, 78, Appleton City, wandering into the woods and not returning. Miller has a black German shepherd dog named Lady and she was last seen with him.

He is described as a white male 5’ 10”, 158 lbs., gray hair, blue eyes, wearing glasses, a hunter orange baseball cap, blue shirt, blue jeans and boots. He reportedly walks hunched forward and shuffles his feet and his speech is whispered and mumbled. Miller is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and has a fractured vertebra. He has missed doses of his medication and may have an altered mental status and motor skills.

Family, friends and numerous volunteers joined in the search for Miller on Sunday. Other agencies assisting in the search included Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri State Highway Patrol, American Red Cross, St. Clair County Rescue, Missouri Search and Rescue, and firefighters from Appleton City, Lowry City, Sac Osage, Taberviille, Rockville, Collins, and Iconium.

“An extensive ground check of the area Mr. Miller was last seen along with the acreage surrounding areas was completed on Sunday,” said Sheriff Keeler. “On Monday the area was cleared to allow the dogs from Missouri Search and Rescue to search. Both searches resulted with no clues or signs of Mr. Miller or his dog, Lady.”

The sheriff explained the search is continuing in the general area where Mr. Miller was last seen and deputies are following up on tips and leads received in the case. He expressed his sincere appreciation for all those individuals and groups that donated their time and energy for the search effort. Sheriff Keeler urges those with any information related to the case to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, 417-646-2565.