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William Douglas Sr. Missing Person Case

Last seen in Woodburn, Iowa on Feb 4, 2004

Victim Details

Dec 12, 2008

Jan 12, 2024

William

Douglas Sr.

85

63

68 inches

140 lbs

145 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Feb 4, 2004

Woodburn

Iowa

Clarke County

19594

Iowa Department of Public Safety

Des Moines

Iowa

Polk County

50319

215 East 7th Street, Iowa

State

Law Enforcement

0401918

Iowa Department of Public Safety

5493

Gray or Partially Gray

Brown

Brown

Oct 7, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP405) and 6 other sources
William LeRoy Douglas Sr., 63, was last seen on February 4, 2004, at his cattle farm in Woodburn, Iowa. He had been on the phone with his mother that morning but hung up to answer the door. After that, he was never seen or heard from again. At the time of his disappearance, William, known as "Bill," was wearing black Carhartt overalls, Wrangler jeans, and black boots. His bank accounts showed no activity following his disappearance, and there were no signs of a struggle at his home, leaving his family and investigators puzzled.

Douglas, a father of five, was described as a hard-working man with a close relationship with his children, especially his daughter, Betsy, who believes foul play may be involved. Despite extensive searches of his farm and surrounding areas, no significant leads have surfaced. In 2009, he was declared legally dead, although his case remains unsolved.

Authorities continue to treat his disappearance as an endangered missing person case, and the family still hopes for answers after many years of uncertainty.
Last Seen: Feb 4, 2004

Links to Additional Sources (6)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • William LeRoy Douglas Sr. - Iowa Cold Cases
  • Iowa Cold Cases - It's been 13 years since Bill Douglas... | Facebook
  • William LeRoy Douglas Sr. - The Charley Project
  • 5494DMIA - William LeRoy Douglas Sr - Doe Network
  • William LeRoy Douglas Sr., 63, Woodburn, 4 Feb 2004 | Websleuths
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP405

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP78041
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP78041 • Found Oct 8, 2007
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 55–65 vs 63 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 44%315 mi away
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
    Weight 100%142 lb vs 140–145 lb
    Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    William LeRoy "Bill" Douglas's case has haunted me since I first read about it. I’m particularly... ...Read More
    10/27/2024

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