Missing in Kansas: Eddie Dean Walker

Years have passed since a south-central Kansas man was reported missing

Family last heard from Eddie Dean Walker on Sept. 22, 2020, in Arkansas City, Kan.

The last time loved ones spoke to the then-47-year-old was via text message that month, records with the U.S. Department of Justice show.

On Sept. 30, 2020, his vehicle was found abandoned about 9 miles north of Pawhuska, Okla., which is about 70 miles southeast of where he was last seen. Detectives say the vehicle was towed.

Oklahoma law enforcement agencies searched for Eddie, including back in late April 2022. Cadaver dogs were used to search for his remains, but nothing turned up in the search.

Back then, his aunt, Marcia Crandall, said they hoped the search would get the family closure.

K9 Search Oklahoma and Oklahoma’s Osage County Sheriff’s Department scoured the area near where the vehicle was found, but there were a number of challenges, Sheriff Eddie Virden shared in an interview.

“It’s a large area, fairly wooded, fairly rough area, so we’re hopeful we can get some answers today,” said Virden.

Though nothing significant turned out in that search, people like Molly Gibb, with the K9 Search Oklahoma crew, said they are continually motivated. The non-profit is based in northeastern Oklahoma and works with state and local authorities in search and rescue efforts over the past six years. 

“We do it because we want to help bring resolution to families, help provide answers to families,” she said.

Marcia said she appreciates search groups and law enforcement teaming together to help find answers with her missing nephew.

“You have lots of feelings, and emotions, that go through situations like this,” Crandall said. “As you work through those feelings and emotions, it all comes down to the love that you have for an individual.”

Missing from: Arkansas City, Kan. 

Missing since: Sept. 22, 2020

Age when reported missing: 47

Hair: Strawberry-blonde hair, balding

If you have information that could help the case, call the Osage County, Okla., Sheriff’s Office at (918) 287-3131; the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 221-5444, or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 296-4017 or by clicking here.

KAKE News features the story of a missing person every weekday in our morning and evening newscasts. If you have a person you’d like for us to share a story about, please contact Anchor Annette Lawless at [email protected].