Fred Byrne -- Missing for one month

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - It has been one month since Fred Byrne disappeared after dropping off his son at Hope College and visited his mom in Holland.

The 49-year-old Big Rapids man has not been seen since Feb. 12.

His family remains committed to finding him.

"Right now our goal is to find Fred, and as many places as we can search, the better," Marie Hamilton, Byrne's mother-in-law, told 24 Hour News 8.

He told his family he intended on going to RiverTown Crossings Mall in Grandville in Kent County to buy a Valentine's Day gift for his wife, police said, while on his way home. But he never arrived at his Mecosta County residence.

Two days later, his car was found nearly 600 miles away in Missouri -- a place his family said he has no connection.

"We're worried that he is gone. We're worried that he is gone for this length of time. He has never been away from [his wife] Diana for this length of time. Yes, that is a concern. And the randomness in Missouri, haven't a clue as to why Missouri," said Hamilton.

Byrne's wallet was on the rear floor of the car, and the keys were in the center console of the unlocked, silver 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. But there was no sign of him.

The car is currently being investigated at a Michigan State Police Crime Lab. Police and his family are still waiting to find out if anything has been found during that process.

Answers to any questions have been few and far between.

Diana Byrne draws strength from their son. But each day is a struggle.

"She misses him daily. The loneliness of that is difficult," Hamilton said.

Byrne has not been in contact with family or friends since his disappearance, and they said this is "extremely out of character for him," according to police.

His family remains hopeful and optimistic that Fred will return home.

"Don't stop looking, we will never stop looking, we will find Fred, we will bring Fred home," said Hamilton.