Cold Case Files: Webber Falls man who went missing in 2023 went for a walk from which he never returned

Robert Howard Welch, a 64-year-old enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, went missing from Webbers Falls in Muskogee County.

He lived on tribal land near the Arkansas River. On June 28, 2023, Robert was last seen at his home south of town around 4:00 p.m. He had dementia and had gone out for a walk. Around 12:15 a.m. on June 29, he was spotted near South 150th Street East and East 183rd Street South, close to the river.

That was the last time anyone saw him.

Robert stood 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 190 to 200 pounds. He had black hair that was turning gray or salt and pepper, and he may have been balding with a possible goatee. His eyes were brown.

Muskogee County Sheriff's Office launched searches right away. Teams checked the surrounding woods and the Arkansas River by boat. Silver and Red Alerts were issued, and volunteers helped look for him.

Despite the efforts over several days, no clues turned up.

Detective Troy Dewitt of the Tulsa Police Department has assisted with the investigation.

Robert would be 67 years old today. His family and the Cherokee Nation continue to seek answers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office or Detective Dewitt at Tulsa