Chicago pastor missing since last week disappeared in Joliet: 'He was the glue'
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family and friends are asking for help as they search for a missing reverend.
Warren Beard was last seen around 9 p.m. last Tuesday in the 400-block of North Broadway Street in Joliet. He was visiting with college friends, family said.
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They say he played football at University of St. Francis.
The 53-year-old Chicago resident is the assistant pastor at New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church. He normally teaches Sunday school.
He's also the Midwest regional director of facilities for the Preservation of Affordable Housing.
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His family and church leaders held a news conference Monday morning at New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church on the South Side to provide an update on his disappearance.
They are hurting.
"It's a devastating blow to my family now. I can't explain it; it's a feeling none of us ever felt before. He was the patriarch of the family; he was the glue to the family," Beard's son Shane Beard said.
On Monday, Beard's family, friends, coworkers and pastor stood together, pleading for help.
"His spirit was kind; his spirit was welcoming. Everyone in this church loved him. Sunday was one of the hardest days I had to preach here besides the day when I had to eulogize my little brother," Pastor Chenier Alston said.
Family posted flyers in the area, where he was last seen.
Chicago police have issued a missing person report, and Joliet police are assisting.
"We rely on our community to be our eyes and ears at all times. And if there is any way that the public provide us assistance, we urge them to call 911, or contact the Chicago Police Department Area 2 Special Victims Unit," Joliet police Sgt. Dwayne English said.
Beard's family said he was driving his black Honda HRV Sport Tuesday evening. Its license plate is DY20511.
"He is patriarch of our family, and would never just abandon us," Shane Beard said. "We asking everyone across the city and surrounding area, come forward with information you may have on his whereabouts."
The family will hold a vigil at New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church Thursday evening, but they pray for good news before that.
Chicago police described Beard as 6-feet tall, 200 pounds and having brown eyes. He is bald and has tattoos on both his arms and back, CPD said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Chicago police at 312-747-8274.
