THE VOID IN THE BRICK CITY: THE SEARCH FOR CLARA KATE COMER

THE ECHO OF THE BRICK STREETS

The city of Fulton, Missouri, is often defined by its permanence. As the seat of Callaway County, it is a place where history is literally underfoot, with miles of streets still paved in the signature brick that gave the town its nickname. It is a community built on the foundations of tradition, agricultural resilience, and a deep sense of local identity often referred to as "The Kingdom of Callaway." This moniker, born from a legendary standoff during the Civil War, speaks to a region that prides itself on looking after its own and maintaining an independent spirit.

However, in the waning days of 2025 and the early weeks of 2026, that sense of security has been fractured. The brick streets of Fulton and the rolling pastures of nearby Auxvasse are now the backdrop for a desperate and complicated search for one of the community's youngest residents: three-year-old Clara Kate Comer.

The disappearance of a child is always a catalyst for community-wide anxiety, but the case of Clara Comer is layered with a specific, poignant history that has resonated deeply with those in Central Missouri. To walk through Fulton today is to see her face looking back from shop windows and social media feeds, a reminder of a search that has now crossed the two-week mark without a resolution.

According to investigators, the child was last seen in the Fulton area, and she is currently classified as a missing and endangered juvenile. The urgency of the situation is compounded by her age; at just three years old, Clara possesses neither the survival skills to navigate the rural Missouri landscape nor the ability to advocate for herself if she is being held against her will.

For the residents of Callaway County, the case is not merely a police report; it is the latest chapter in a series of events that have tested the resolve of a local family. The investigation is taking place in a geography that is as beautiful as it is challenging. Callaway County is a patchwork of limestone bluffs, dense river-bottom forests along the Missouri River, and expansive farmland that stretches toward the Mark Twain National Forest.

In the winter months, this terrain becomes unforgiving, with freezing temperatures and skeletal woods that offer little cover or warmth. As the days pass, the silence surrounding Clara’s whereabouts has become a heavy weight on the city of Fulton, turning the historic charm of the Brick City into a landscape of watchful eyes and unanswered prayers.

A LEGACY FORGED IN STEEL AND GRIT

The narrative of Clara Kate Comer’s life is inextricably linked to the vibrant, albeit brief, life of her mother, Kaylee Blake Comer. To understand why this case has galvanized the region, one must look at the legacy Kaylee left behind.

Born in November 1997, Kaylee was a quintessential product of Callaway County—fearless, ambitious, and deeply connected to the land. She was a 2016 graduate of South Callaway High School, a place where she began to cultivate a reputation for being a "force of nature."

Unlike many of her peers, Kaylee’s career path was defined by a desire to master a craft that required both physical strength and artistic precision. She attended the Missouri Welding Institute and became a professional welder, eventually finding employment with Professional Metal Fabricators.

According to those who knew her, Kaylee did not just view welding as a job; it was a passion. She harbored dreams of one day pivoting from industrial fabrication to creating metal sculptures, a testament to her creative spirit.

This same drive was evident in her life outside the workshop. Kaylee was a prominent figure in the local equestrian community, a world where she was known for her "no fear" attitude. As a member of the Mid Mo Pony and Train club, she was a fixture at rodeos and barrel racing competitions.

Her partnership with her famous barrel horse, Hank, was so well-regarded that the pair was selected to appear in the movie Lost Treasure of Jesse James, playing the role of the "Train Station Horse Rider." This brush with film production brought a sense of pride to her hometown, further cementing her status as a local icon.

Kaylee’s personality was described by friends and family as a "ray of sunshine" that brought warmth to every room she entered. She was an avid outdoorswoman who felt most at home while hunting, fishing, or boating on the Missouri lakes.

Her adventurous spirit even led her to the ring, where she worked as a ring girl for the Midwest Fight League and various boxing matches. Yet, according to court records and family statements, the role that defined her most was that of a mother. When Clara Kate was born, she became the center of Kaylee’s world.

Those close to the family recall that Kaylee wanted nothing but the best for her daughter, striving to raise her with the same independence and love for life that she herself possessed.

The tragedy that set the stage for Clara’s current disappearance occurred on September 25, 2024, when Kaylee Blake Comer passed away peacefully at the age of 26. Her death sent shockwaves through Fulton and Auxvasse, leaving a void in a family that had already been through so much.

At the time of her mother’s death, Clara was only two years old. In the year that followed, the extended Comer family—including her grandparents Joseph Comer and Jolene Garnett—stepped in to provide the stability and love that Kaylee would have wanted.

The celebration of Kaylee’s life, held at the Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton, was attended by a community that saw in her the very best of Callaway County’s spirit. Little did they know that just over a year later, they would be gathering again, not to mourn, but to search for the daughter Kaylee had loved so fiercely.

THE SUDDEN SILENCE OF LATE 2025

The transition from a grieving family to a family in search of a missing child happened with a confusing and alarming suddenness. According to official law enforcement records, the timeline of Clara Kate Comer’s disappearance is marked by a significant discrepancy that investigators are still working to reconcile.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Missing Persons Clearinghouse both list Clara as having been missing since November 24, 2025. This date suggests that the child has been outside the reach of her legal guardians or the oversight of the state for a duration much longer than the public awareness campaign would initially indicate.

However, the public urgency surrounding the case reached a fever pitch following the Christmas holiday. According to investigators and public safety alerts, a critical window of concern opened on December 26, 2025. It was during this period that the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office began actively soliciting tips from the public, emphasizing that Clara had not been seen in several days.

This month-long gap between the "official" missing date in national databases and the "public" alert date in late December is a point of intense focus. In many cases involving parental involvement, such gaps often represent a period where a parent may have had authorized visitation that was then extended without permission, eventually crossing the threshold into a criminal disappearance.

Investigators have confirmed that Clara is believed to be in the company of her father. While the name of the father has not been prominently featured in the primary missing child posters released by the Sheriff’s Office, the classification of the case as "Missing and Endangered" indicates that his possession of the child is unauthorized and potentially dangerous to the child’s well-being.

According to court records, the custody situation following the death of Kaylee Comer was a matter of significant concern for the maternal family. When a primary caregiver passes away, the legal rights of the surviving parent are often scrutinized, especially if there were prior issues or if the child’s stability is at risk.

The fact that Clara is listed in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database under entry M928677329 proves that law enforcement has the legal grounds to intervene and recover the child.

As the calendar turned from 2025 to 2026, the search for Clara moved from a private family matter to a high-priority police operation. The Callaway County Sheriff’s Office has been the lead agency, coordinating with state authorities to monitor for any sightings of the child or her father.

In the rural stretches of Missouri, where social circles are tight and newcomers are noticed, the fact that a three-year-old child and an adult male have seemingly vanished without a trace for over two weeks is highly unusual. It suggests a level of deliberate concealment, whether through the assistance of others or by moving into a remote area where they can remain unobserved.

THE KINGDOM’S SEARCH FOR ITS YOUNGEST SUBJECT

The response to Clara’s disappearance has been a reflection of the "Kingdom of Callaway" spirit. In Fulton, the search has taken on a multi-faceted approach. On one hand, there is the official investigative track led by the Sheriff’s Office, which involves the use of digital forensics, witness interviews, and the monitoring of financial and travel records.

According to investigators, every tip that comes in is being followed, yet the lack of a definitive sighting has frustrated the efforts. On the other hand, there is the community-led awareness campaign. Ribbons, posters, and digital vigils have become the norm as the residents of Fulton refuse to let Clara’s name fade from the public consciousness.

The geography of Callaway County presents unique challenges for search and rescue operations. To the south, the Missouri River creates a natural boundary, but its heavily wooded bottomlands and numerous seasonal cabins provide ample places for someone to hide. To the north and east, the landscape becomes a mix of prairie and thickets, with miles of gravel roads that are infrequently patrolled.

Investigators have had to consider the possibility that the father has not stayed in the immediate area. In cases of parental abduction, the first 48 hours are often used to put significant distance between the child and their home, sometimes crossing state lines into jurisdictions where the local police may not be as familiar with the specific details of the Missouri case.

However, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has ensured that Clara’s description is available to every officer in the state. According to law enforcement statements, the child is a white female, age three, who was last seen in the Fulton area.

Despite the lack of a current photo on some official state posters, the community has filled the gap by sharing images of Clara provided by her family—photos that show a bright-eyed toddler who bears a striking resemblance to her mother, Kaylee.

The emotional weight of these images is profound; they represent the "greatest joy" of a woman who is no longer here to protect her. The maternal grandparents, Joseph Comer and Jolene Garnett, have remained a constant presence in the background of the investigation, acting as the primary advocates for their granddaughter's safe return.

As the search enters its third week of the "public" phase, the concern for Clara’s physical health is paramount. Missouri winters are notoriously volatile. A child of three is highly susceptible to the elements, and if she is being kept in an environment without adequate heating or medical supplies, the danger increases exponentially.

Furthermore, the psychological impact of being removed from a stable home environment and separated from her maternal family is a major concern for child welfare experts. According to investigators, the goal remains a peaceful recovery of the child, and they have urged anyone who may be assisting the father to consider the welfare of the little girl above all else.

THE LEGAL LABYRINTH OF PARENTAL ABDUCTION

The legalities surrounding the Clara Comer case are as complex as the search itself. According to court records, the death of a parent can trigger an immediate and often contentious legal process regarding the custody of any surviving children.

In Missouri, the surviving parent typically has a strong claim to custody, but this is not an absolute right if there is evidence that the parent is unfit or if the child’s safety is in jeopardy.

In Clara’s case, the fact that she is listed as a missing person in the National Crime Information Center database implies that a court has likely issued an order that the father is currently in violation of, or that the circumstances of his taking the child constitute a criminal act under Missouri’s interference with custody laws.

Interference with custody is a serious offense, often classified as a felony if the child is taken across state lines or held for a prolonged period. According to investigators, the classification of Clara as "endangered" is a specific legal designation used when a child’s physical or mental health is believed to be at risk due to the circumstances of their disappearance.

This designation allows law enforcement to utilize more aggressive search tactics and grants them broader authority to recover the child once she is located. For the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office, the challenge is balancing the need for public assistance with the need to keep certain investigative details confidential to avoid alerting the father to their progress.

The role of the maternal family in this legal struggle cannot be overstated. According to statements from those close to the investigation, Joseph Comer and Jolene Garnett have been working closely with legal counsel and law enforcement to ensure that Clara’s rights are protected.

They represent the stability that Clara has known for the majority of her young life. The loss of Kaylee Comer was a primary trauma for the family, and the subsequent disappearance of Clara is a secondary trauma that has placed them in a state of constant vigil.

The legal labyrinth they must navigate involves probate courts, family courts, and criminal investigators, all while maintaining the hope that their granddaughter will be returned to the brick streets of Fulton.

One of the most difficult aspects of parental abduction cases is the "harboring" factor. Frequently, the taking parent is assisted by friends or family members who believe they are helping the parent "save" the child from an unfair legal system.

According to investigators, anyone found to be providing food, shelter, or transportation to someone in possession of a missing and endangered child can face criminal charges themselves.

The Sheriff’s Office has made it clear that the focus is on Clara’s safety, and they have appealed to the conscience of anyone who might know where she is being kept. In a small town like Fulton, where gossip travels fast but loyalty runs deep, the pressure on those in the father's circle is likely mounting.

OFFICIAL CONFIRMATIONS FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The Callaway County Sheriff’s Office has provided several key confirmations regarding the status of the case as of early 2026. While the investigation remains active and sensitive, the following facts have been established as the foundation of the search:

According to investigators, the search area remains focused on Central Missouri, but the possibility of interstate travel is being monitored. The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they are utilizing all available resources, including cooperation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

They have also emphasized that the public should not attempt to intervene or approach if they see the child, but should instead contact law enforcement immediately to ensure a safe and professional recovery.

The Sheriff’s Office has also confirmed that they are in regular contact with Clara’s maternal grandparents and that the family is cooperating fully with the investigation.

The lack of a public suspect name in some flyers is a tactical decision, but investigators have confirmed they know the identity of the individual believed to be with Clara. The focus remains on the child’s face and her physical description, as she is the one who needs to be identified and brought to safety.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Despite the official confirmations, several critical questions remain at the heart of the Clara Comer case, driving the uncertainty that continues to haunt the community:

• What specific event triggered the discrepancy between the November 24th "official" missing date and the December 26th "public" reporting date?
• Has the father made any contact with the maternal family or law enforcement since the search began?
• Are there specific vehicles or license plate numbers that the public should be watching for in relation to the father?
• What was the nature of the father's relationship with Kaylee Comer prior to her death, and were there existing custody orders at that time?
• Is there evidence that the father has received financial or logistical assistance from third parties since going into hiding?
• Has the search expanded beyond the borders of Missouri, and have federal authorities like the FBI been formally engaged?
• What are the specific health or medical needs of Clara that the public should be aware of if they encounter her?
• Were there any witnesses to the final time Clara was seen in the Fulton area?

KEY INDIVIDUALS & RELATIONSHIPS

The following individuals are central to the narrative of the search and the family history that precedes it:

• CLARA KATE COMER – Victim – The 3-year-old child at the center of the missing person investigation. She is a white female with ties to Fulton and Auxvasse.
• KAYLEE BLAKE COMER – Mother (Deceased) – The primary figure in Clara’s life until her death in September 2024. A well-known welder and equestrian in Callaway County.
• THE FATHER – Person of Interest – The biological father of Clara, currently believed to be in unauthorized possession of the child.
• JOSEPH BLAKE COMER – Maternal Grandfather – A resident of the Fulton area and father of Kaylee; he has been a key advocate for finding Clara.
• JOLENE GARNETT – Maternal Grandmother – Kaylee’s mother; she has worked to keep the community focused on Clara’s safe return.
• DUSTIN VICH / JADEN GARNETT – Maternal Uncles – Brothers of Kaylee Comer who remain part of the grieving and searching family unit.
• BRIANA COMER – Maternal Aunt – Sister of Kaylee Comer and part of the extended family network in Callaway County.