A family is holding onto hope�for the safe return of its patriarch.

The search for Oliver Ellsworth Baker Jr. continues into its fourth day, and investigators are still piecing together what could have happened to the 65-year-old man.

Mark Baker reported his father missing after stopping by Friday to check-in on his parents at their home on T.R. Harris Drive in Shelby.

At this time, investigators believe Oliver Baker took his dog for a walk and�vanished.

Mark Baker last spoke with his father on Thursday night. After repeated calls Friday, he began to worry.

According to reports, Mark Baker�s wife went by the home and saw that the door was open. He went by several hours later to check on his parents and found his dad�s keys and cell phone.

He also found his mother unresponsive due to complications from a recent surgery, according to Capt. Steve Seate.

When Shelby Police arrived, EMS also had to be called to check on Oliver�s wife.

Investigators searched the area near the Bakers' home in a senior apartment complex behind Leona Neal Senior Center by air and land. Over time, the�search area has�widened, Seate said.

Oliver Baker�s family was unavailable for comment.

Baker is around 5 feet 5 inches tall, has brown hair, hazel eyes and weighs about 300 pounds. He was last seen wearing a shirt and jeans.

Police ask anyone who sees Baker to call 911 or if anyone has any information in this case to call 704-484-6845.

Joyce Orlando can be reached at 704-669-3341 or find her on Twitter @Star_J_Orlando.