IL IL - Frank Lucas, 55, Rankin, 08 July 2024

[mlhenn]

https://www.wcia.com/news/vermilion-county/vermilion-co-sheriffs-dept-searching-rankin-for-missing-man/

Frank Lucas was last seen on Monday, July 8, and was reported missing three days later. The search so far has been focused on the Rankin area.

https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/2024/07/26/public-help-sought-to-find-missing-rankin-man/

Frank Lucas, 55, was reported missing on July 11.

According to Chief Investigator Michael Hartshorn, Lucas has not been seen since July 8.

“He was last officially seen leaving a job site in Champaign County. He was wearing a tan shirt, jeans, brown boots and a tan sun hat,” Hartshorn said.

Lucas works for a tree service.

 

[GraceG]

Rankin is a very small town in central Illinois - population probably less than 600 (my inlaws' farm is about an hour south of there). Hopefully someone can recall seeing him that day.

 

[slowpoke]

It says his dogs and vehicles were left at home. That’s always sad to hear. His poor dogs.
Also, it states he has a tattoo of his name on his chest.

No details on the circumstances of his disappearance.

I note that in the link in the first post says he was last seen by family. I also note the 2 photos there say they were provided by his daughter.

Where Capt Hartshorn says: “Hartshorn said no other details can be provided at this time”— I wonder if that means they know some things but aren’t sharing at this time. JMO

Missing Frank Lucas

From Rankin, Illinois

missingpeopleinamerica.org

 

[GuyfromCanada]

JUL 29

Still missing.

https://www.wcia.com/news/vermilion-county/search-for-missing-man-still-ongoing-vermilion-co-sheriffs-dept/

 

[mlhenn]

JUL 29

Still missing.

https://www.wcia.com/news/vermilion-county/search-for-missing-man-still-ongoing-vermilion-co-sheriffs-dept/

The search was initially centered on the Rankin area, but Hartshorn said it has since expanded into several areas within both Vermilion and Champaign Counties.

 

[oceanverde]

Any updates?

 

[Caring1]

Remains have not yet been positively identified but are believed to be Frank Lucas.

October 22, 2025

RANKIN, Ill. (WCIA) — More than a year after a Rankin man went missing, authorities believe they recovered his remains in Champaign County this week. His former neighbor is now under arrest for allegedly murdering him.

Captain Michael Hartshorn said in a news release the investigation found evidence that Lucas was likely murdered, and his former neighbor — identified as 56-year-old Johnny Gibson — was named a suspect in the case. Gibson now lives in Peoria.

An arrest warrant was issued for Gibson on Tuesday, and he is charged with three counts of murder, one count of dismembering a human body and one count of concealing a homicidal death.

https://www.wcia.com/news/vermilion-county/arrest-made-in-connection-to-missing-rankin-man-after-possible-human-remains-found/