Patrick Joseph Ratchford was 61 when he disappeared from his Phoenix home between about 12:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on November 24, 1987. He lived near 35th Avenue and Campbell Avenue and was last seen wearing a red, blue, and gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, and Reebok tennis shoes. He left nearly all his personal belongings behind; the only item reported taken was his wedding ring.

Ratchford had once been a Catholic priest and later left the priesthood to marry. He had reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts in the past, but investigators have noted his religious beliefs as a factor complicating that theory. The Phoenix Police Department’s Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit opened case number 87149927; there has been no activity on his Social Security number since he vanished.

Anyone who knew Patrick, saw him in Phoenix around November 24, 1987, or has information that could help resolve his disappearance is asked to come forward.