Rick Larabee

Case Information:

James Richard “Rick” Larabee, mainly known as Rick Larabee, was 53 years old when he disappeared from Davis, Oklahoma, on September 28, 2013. A resident of Denton, Texas, and a father of five, Rick was last seen attending a high school alumni banquet in his hometown.

While initially believed to be on a personal trip, his prolonged absence and a lack of digital activity eventually led to an official missing person investigation. Despite his case being featured by state investigators years later, his current whereabouts remain a mystery.

Case Details:

Rick was last seen reconnecting with former classmates during the reunion weekend. On October 3, 2013, he sent a final text message to his sister, Julie Miller, stating he was traveling to Northeastern Oklahoma for nine days and asking about their mother’s health.

Following this message, Rick never responded to further communications, even failing to acknowledge his mother’s passing shortly thereafter. Investigations later revealed he had quit his job and cashed out his 401(k) several weeks prior to vanishing.

Timeline of Events:

On September 28, 2013, Rick attended his class reunion in Davis, which remains the last confirmed sighting of him in person. On October 3, he sent a text message indicating a planned nine-day trip before losing all contact with his family.

His vehicle was reportedly sold in Georgia between 2014 and 2015, and his driver’s license expired in 2016 without being renewed. Due to family miscommunication during a period of grief, an official missing person report was not filed until 2018.

Investigation:

The Davis Police Department and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) are investigating the disappearance. To generate new leads, the OSBI featured Rick’s case on their “Cold Case” playing cards distributed in state prisons.

Conflicting reports exist regarding his burgundy 2007 Honda Civic; police state it was sold on Craigslist in Georgia, while a private investigator claims it was sold through TitleMax in 2014. Chief Dan Cooper noted that the person who sold the car in Georgia was not Rick.

Community Response:

The small community of Davis has been impacted by the decade-long mystery surrounding the local alumnus. Law enforcement agencies frequently utilize the anniversary of his disappearance to appeal to the media and the public for new information.

Rick’s sister has remained a steadfast advocate, hiring private help and maintaining pressure on local authorities to keep the case active. Despite these efforts, no significant leads have materialized from the annual public appeals.

Family Statements:

Julie Miller described her brother as a social “people person” who was deeply involved with his five children. She has expressed deep frustration with the investigative process, believing the initial assumption that he “just disappeared” hindered the search.

The family remains skeptical that Rick would willingly miss his mother’s funeral or abandon his children indefinitely. They fear his cashed-out 401(k) funds may have made him a target for foul play.

Physical Appearance:

At the time he vanished, Rick was 6’0” tall, weighed approximately 180 lbs., and had brown hair and brown eyes. He was known for being talkative and frequently staying in touch with his siblings several times a week.

If alive today, Rick would be 63 years old. His family emphasizes that his total lack of a digital or financial footprint since 2013 is completely out of character.

Current Status:

The status of James Richard “Rick” Larabee remains an active missing person investigation. While some theories suggest he may have walked away from his life, his family believes he would have returned long ago if he were able.

The trail remains cold, with no new evidence surfaced from his vehicle’s last known location in Georgia. The Davis Police Department continues to solicit tips that might explain his sudden disappearance.

Contact Information:

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of James Richard “Rick” Larabee is urged to contact the Davis Police Department at 580-369-2323. Tips can also be submitted to the OSBI at 800-522-8017 or via email at tips@osbi.ok.gov.

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