Previous Coverage: Senators Pray for Missing SC Executive

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Tuesday, senators held a moment of silence before session for Tom Sponseller. Sponseller has served as the President of the South Carolina Hospitality Association for more than 20 years, during that time he has become well known here at the state house. “I think anytime you are down here at the state house for 15 plus years, you’re sort of a regular you’re part of the state house family,’ says Senator Joel Lourie. Senator Lourie says he’s known 61 year old Tom Sponseller for nearly twenty years. “He’s just a very level headed and easy going guy, always has his homework with him when he’s ready to talk to you about an issue,” says Senator Lourie. Yet this past weekend, Sponseller’s wife reported him missing after she could not reach him. He was last seen at his office on Lady Street, midday Saturday. “We have located his vehicle, so he is not in his car,” says Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott. “It was parked in the parking garage, where her normally parks,” says Chief Scott. “Here at the state house we are a family, we debate a lot of issues and don’t always get along, but most families don’t either,” says Senator Lourie. Columbia Police say so far, surveillance video from the area has not led them to his whereabouts. Meanwhile, his family and friends continue to ask for help and lawmakers remain hopeful. “We pray that he is okay and that’s really what we’re hoping for is that he is okay and that we will find out something soon,” says Lourie. Senator Lourie says Sponseller is a well liked guy at the state house and easy to work with. Police say according to his family it is unlike him not have any contact with them. Police also ask that if you know anything about the whereabouts of Tom Sponseller, call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME SC.