An 81-year-old man with dementia, originally reported missing, has been located safely in Indiana, according to authorities. Francis Joseph Smith departed from his home in Stanton, Michigan, yesterday around 3:45 p.m. and subsequently did not return as expected, prompting a call for public assistance from the Michigan State Police (MSP).
MSP detailed in a plea for help, which was originally shared on social media and reported by WOOD TV8, that Smith was last seen heading to an appointment when he left his residence and failed to come back. In the early hours of the following day, their update brought a wave of relief; Smith was found overnight in Indiana, safe and sound.
Smith was reportedly missing critical medication at the time of his disappearance, enhancing the urgency of his situation. He was described by the MSP Sixth District in a social media post as an 81-year-old man having gray short hair, blue eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighing 238 pounds. The vehicle he was believed to be driving, a dark blue 2015 Nissan Rogue with Michigan registration CGD928, was also noted in the plea for public vigilance.
MISSING: Troopers from the MSP Lakeview Post need your help in locating Francis Joseph Smith, 81-years-old, 5’08’’, 238 pounds, gray short hair, blue eyes.
— MSP Sixth District (@mspwestmi) June 5, 2025
Francis was last seen leaving his residence in Stanton around 3:45 P.M. today to go to an appointment but did not return… pic.twitter.com/FQjL9Uncdt
"Thank you for all of your tips!" the MSP expressed in a social media update after Smith was located, acknowledging the efforts of the community. His attire, when he was last seen leaving, included a black T-shirt, blue jeans, black tennis shoes, and potentially, according to FOX 17, a blue/green button-up flannel. The articles did not provide details on how or where exactly in Indiana Smith was found.
For those offering tips and assistance, the successful outcome of this search is a testament to the significant role the public plays in locating individuals who go missing, especially those vulnerable due to health conditions such as dementia. Montcalm County Dispatch had been the point of contact, as stated by the MSP Sixth District, for anyone who had information during the search.
