Chaffee pastor no longer in critical condition

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- A local pastor who was severely injured in a car accident Feb. 13 is no longer in critical condition, according to officials at St. Louis University Hospital.

The Rev. Darren Larkin, 39, who pastors the First Assembly of God Church in Chaffee, Mo., is still in serious condition but is now conscious and has already undergone some surgery to mend his numerous broken bones.

The accident killed Larkin's wife, Rebecca, and critically injured two people in another vehicle.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Larkins were northbound 2 miles south of Gordonville when their car was struck head-on as 25-year-old Michael Berry of Sedgewickville, Mo., improperly attempted to pass an 18-wheel truck.

Church member Emma McAlister said Larkin has been in and out of the intensive care unit at St. Louis University Hospital for the past few days while undergoing surgery on his broken arms. He was scheduled for pelvic surgery this week, but it was postponed.

"He's conscious and talking, but he's broken in body and he's broken in heart," said McAlister.

Berry and a passenger, Michael Howe, 20, of Cape Girardeau, were taken by helicopter to St. Francis Medical Center. Howe was later transported to St. Louis University Hospital with a broken femur, fractured pelvis, concussion, burns and a head laceration.

He was scheduled to have surgery on his pelvis Friday, according to his mother, Diana Howe.

Michael Berry's mother, Charlotte Berry, said her son has two fractures to his skull, broken bones in his face, a broken foot and brain injuries. As of Friday, he was conscious but had no memory of the accident and is still in the critical care unit at St. Francis.

The Larkins had no medical or life insurance, and the church is trying to raise money to help with the costs.

McAlister said a trust fund has been established at First Commercial Bank in Chaffee for donations. Eventually, the church plans to hold fund raisers for the cause.

Rebecca and Darren Larkin had lived in Tennessee for around 20 years before moving to Chaffee in September 2003. They have one daughter, Walicia Buie, who resides on Paris, Tenn. A funeral for Rebecca Larkin was held Saturday in Dyersburg, Tenn.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128