A man who went missing after heading to work on Easter Sunday has been found shot dead and buried in a shallow grave.

Missing persons detectives are making a plea for public assistance in their investigation into the suspicious shooting death of Richard Wills.

Mr Wills was last seen alive when he was leaving his Hughs Street home in the small Victorian town of Ouyen about 8am on Easter Sunday.

Police were told Mr Wills went to work on his rural property on the Mallee Highway, which was his normal routine.

Richard Wills, 65, was last seen alive on Easter morning. Supplied: Victoria Police
Mr Wills’ failure to return home for lunch prompted his family to spend the rest of the day searching the property.

His wife Donna reported him missing on Monday morning.

Police discovered Mr Will’s body buried in a shallow grave during an assisted search of the rural property about 1.30pm on Tuesday.

Mr Wills was fatally shot.

Missing persons detective senior sergeant Steve Trewavas said Mr Wills death was clearly “foul play”, and urged anyone with a lead on what happened to come forward.

Wills’ body was found in a shallow grave on his rural Ouyen property in northeast Victoria. Picture: Google
“Sadly, Richard has clearly met with foul play,” he said.

“What is still unclear is exactly who was involved, and why.

“We are very keen to speak to anyone who may have any knowledge of the circumstances which led to his death and who was responsible.

“We’re hoping that this appeal leads to someone coming forward and doing the right thing – it can be done anonymously – so that we can hold those responsible to account.”

Anyone who saw Richard on Easter Sunday or who may have any information regarding his death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.