Woman Marries Long Lost Love and Then He Disappears, His Daughters Now Want Control of His Estate

Below is the story of a woman who married her first love after 60 years apart and the strange facts surrounding his subsequent disappearance:

• Fontelle, 15, and Bob, 21 were engaged to be married in 1950.
• The couple lost contact when Bob left their hometown to serve in the Marines.  Eventually Bob and Fontelle married other people.
• In 2009, Fontelle, a widow, contacted Bob after finding his phone number on the internet.
• Bob, lonely from the death of his wife and his dog, wrote that Fontelle’s phone call was an answer to prayer.
• Fontelle and Bob began talking and corresponding daily, and within weeks Fontelle traveled to visit Bob.  During the one months visit, the couple was finally married.  
• Fontelle flew home to pack her things, but before she moved in with her new husband, Bob mysteriously disappeared on July 27, 2009.  
• The only things missing besides Bob are his wallet and car keys. Bob left behind his car and his glasses and did not withdraw any money from his bank accounts before disappearing.
• Fontelle claims that the day before Bob disappeared, Bob’s daughters became upset because Bob planned to include his new wife in his estate plan.  His estate is worth at least $1 million.
• A family member claims Bob showed early signs of dementia, but Bob’s doctor says that Bob was of sound mind.
• Bob’s daughters have filed for control of Bob’s estate. Fontelle continues to live in Bob’s house, waiting for his return.

See Paloma Esquivel, A love story turned mystery, LA Times, Feb. 2, 2010.