On May 21, 2019, 46-year-old John Cole, a resident of the Big Creek area in Taney County, Missouri, was last seen. His son had dropped him off at his cousin's house in Ocie, which was the last time his immediate family saw him. Later, a neighbor reported seeing him walking on the Big Creek Bridge on Stehle Road. John was known to take long walks and occasionally be out of touch with his family, but the length of this absence was uncharacteristic, causing his family growing concern as days
turned into weeks. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a light gray shirt, blue jeans, black lace-up boots, a ball cap, and was carrying a wallet with a chain. He is described as a white male, 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing around 163 pounds, with blue eyes and brownish-gray hair. A distinct physical feature is the missing tip of his left thumb.
John's disappearance was particularly alarming to his family due to his significant health issues. He is a severe diabetic and has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which required regular medication. His family worried that without his necessary medical care, his health could decline rapidly. The Taney County Sheriff's Office, along with the Ozark County Sheriff's Office, initiated searches in the rural and rugged terrain surrounding Ocie and the Big Creek area. Despite their efforts, which included the involvement of community members and volunteers, no substantial leads have emerged in the years since he was last seen. The lack of witnesses or physical evidence has made the investigation incredibly challenging.
The community has been deeply affected by John's disappearance, with his wife, Angela, creating a Facebook page to share information and keep his story in the public eye. Law enforcement has expressed that they suspect something may have happened to him, given his health conditions and the fact that he was on foot. Over the years, there have been no credible new leads, leaving his family in a painful state of uncertainty. The case remains an active missing person investigation, and authorities continue to ask for the public's help, emphasizing that even a seemingly irrelevant detail could be the key to providing answers to a family that has waited years for a resolution.Last Seen: May 21, 2019
