Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.121: Failure to respond to summons, contempt — warrant for custodian of child.

If any person summoned by personal service fails without reasonable cause to appear, he may be proceeded against for contempt of court. In case the parties fail to obey the summons or, in any case when it appears to the court that the service will be ineffectual a capias may be issued for the parent or guardian, or for the child.