A Carson City man who left his home Monday morning for a doctor's appointment was reported missing by his family Tuesday.
Robert Richard Ward, 56, was last seen by his older brother, Jim, about 4:30 p.m. Monday. Robert Ward dropped his brother off before heading to Verizon to pay his cell phone bill.
"But he never went and paid it," Jim Ward said. "I don't know what's going on. I just hope for the best."
Suffering from chronic back pain, Robert Ward is considered reliable by his girlfriend of six years and her teenage children, said Deputy Josh Stagliano. People for whom Robert does side jobs say he is punctual and hardworking.
"They say he never turns down a job," Stagliano said. "He's a family guy. He goes and does his thing then he comes home. Nothing illegal. He's not a drinker and doesn't do drugs."
Robert Ward is described as 5-feet-6-inches tall, 160 pounds, with short-cropped gray hair, a gray mustache and goatee. He is believed to be driving his 2002 Ford Econoline extended-cab van with no windows on the back or sides. The Nevada license plate is 179TAL.
Jim Ward said that late Monday night his sister and niece drove around town looking for Robert. They thought they saw his van about 9:30 p.m. near Empire Ranch Road, but lost it on Airport Road.
"He's out there doing something. We just want him to come home," said Jim. "My stomach is in knots. It doesn't make sense to me. As soon as we find him it will be a big relief for the family."
Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.