Family of missing Franklin Co. man seeking answers

Silver Alert was issued June 21

(CEDAR GROVE, Ind.) – The mother of a missing man from Franklin County is hoping someone can provide some answers into her son’s disappearance. 

It’s been more than a week since 50-year-old Roger Purcell was last seen at his home on School Road in Cedar Grove. A silver alert was issued on Friday, June 21. 

Volunteers have searched their farm, along with surrounding properties, by foot and drone but haven’t had any luck. 

His mother, Ruth, believes Roger left the home sometime between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Friday, June 21. 

Roger did not have a vehicle to drive so his disappearance remains a mystery to her. 

She’s asking anyone that may have been traveling on Johnson Fork Road in the early morning hours last Friday, June 21, to recall if they saw someone walking. 

“If we can verify he was on the road and even got picked up by somebody that would be good to know,” Ruth told The 812. 

Ruth says a house phone he uses while feeding the horses, along with some of his medication is missing, however, his cell phone, wallet and other personal items are still at the house. 

She hopes that someone may have seen something recently that could help put the clues together. 

“Maybe someone saw him walking and offered a ride and he could have been dropped off somewhere. If we could find out if that happened that would be super,” she added. 

Purcell is described as a black male, 5 feet 9 inches, 250 pounds, and was last seen wearing a gray cutoff tank top and white shorts.

Anyone with information should contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department at 765-647-4138 or call 911.