FORT SMITH - A body believed to be that of a 76-year-old man reported missing Nov. 10 was found Tuesday morning behind a church on Waldron Road, according to Fort Smith police.

A news release by police Sgt. Daniel Grubbs said officers were called to the Central Christian Church at 400 N. Waldron Road about 11:35 a.m. Tuesday. They found the body of an elderly man next to a tree at the base of a small hill behind the church.

A wallet found near the dead man contained identification for Merlin John Boyd, who was reported missing from his home at 2100 N. 31st St., Apartment 49. From the condition of the body, the release said, it appeared the man had been there for a long period of time.

The release said there was no evidence of foul play either at the scene or at Boyd’s apartment. The body is to be sent to the state Crime Laboratory for further examination.

Friends who often cared for Boyd, a diabetic in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, reported him missing. Boyd needed his medication and was considered in danger at the time of his disappearance, the release said.

Arkansas, Pages 11 on 01/01/2014