St. Louis, MO – Family members say I.E. Millstone, the legendary St. Louis builder and philanthropist who went missing Saturday, had been suffering from anxiety after taking pain medication for a shoulder injury.

Authorities are searching for Millstone in the Missouri River after learning of his disappearance and receiving a report that an elderly man was seen jumping off the Daniel Boone Bridge into the river about 1:15 p.m. Saturday. KMOV reported that a car belonging to Millstone’s housekeeper was found near the bridge.

A family spokesman released this statement early today: “Our beloved grandfather had been suffering from anxiety since taking a pain medication for a shoulder injury. We are continuing to pray for his safety and we asked that the community join us in our prayers.

Though 102 years old, Millstone had been to all appearances spry and in good health when he spoke on May 3 at the opening of the Staenberg Family Complex at the Jewish Community Center in west St. Louis County.

Sheila Greenbaum, president of Jewish Federation, said Millstone spoke without notes at some length and in good humor about the history of the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis. It was Millstone who donated the grounds for the center in the 1960s in West County and the campus is named in his honor.

“He called it the best investment that he had ever made,” Greenbaum recalled.

Millstone’s work as a builder included the old Busch Stadium, Mercantile Tower, the Federal Building and the Milles Fountain. Millstone Construction Inc. also was involved in creating the nation’s first public housing complex in Florida, as well as Pruitt-Igoe and Laclede Town in St. Louis, both of which have since been demolished.

Friends who have been in touch with the Millstone family have been told that they do not hold out much hope for his survival. And so when contacted, the friends have begun to speak about him in the past tense.

“I.E. Millstone was a hero of St. Louis and a hero of mine,” Dr. William Danforth, chancellor emeritus of Washington University. “He was a remarkable combination of intelligence, energy, vision and good will. He loved St. Louis and knew its history, how it was built and why decisions were made the way they were. He seemed never to forget anything.

“At the same time he could see farther into the future than the rest of us and use that foresight to lay plans that would benefit the community. He loved and enjoyed the people he knew and supported their good causes generously. Even when over 100 years old he would exert influence at the board meetings at Washington University by seeing through all complexities to the heart of issues and charting a wise course. His life was a blessing.”

(Source: Beacon)