Rev. Larry T. Huber spent his days juggling small-town parish life and suburban ministry, known for his energy and easy connection with just about everyone he met. On April 9, that familiar presence was gone in an instant when the 61-year-old pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Park Hills was killed after his motorcycle was hit on a rural road south of De Soto. Parishioners and fellow clergy say both communities are reeling.
Crash on Highway V
A Missouri State Highway Patrol report, cited by the Eureka Leader, says the collision happened at about 3:09 p.m. on April 9. A 2023 Ford Bronco Sport headed south on Highway V turned left onto Mount Olive Road and into the path of Huber’s northbound 2008 Honda VTX1300, according to the report.
Investigators said Huber tried to brake, but the motorcycle skidded and struck the right side of the Bronco. Valle Ambulance District crews pronounced him dead at the scene at 3:28 p.m., the report states. The Regional Medical Examiner later identified the rider as Larry Thomas Huber.
Parish life and ministry
An obituary from Basler Funeral Home, published on Legacy.com, notes that Huber was ordained in 1995 after attending Kenrick Seminary. Over the years he served several parishes, including Immaculate Conception in Park Hills and St. Gerard Majella in Kirkwood.
The obituary adds that he also spent time as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy and stayed active in local organizations. Family accounts and parish records describe him as a familiar face across the region’s Catholic community, the kind of priest people were used to seeing at everything from formal liturgies to neighborhood events.
Parish reaction
The Archdiocese of St. Louis confirmed that the man killed in the crash was Rev. Larry Huber, 61, and condolences from parishioners quickly began to appear online, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The paper reported that many remembered Huber for his “zest for life” and his ready laugh, qualities that seemed to follow him into every parish assignment.
Immaculate Conception announced his death to parishioners and organized a prayer and remembrance gathering the weekend after the crash, the parish said, giving people a chance to grieve together and share stories about their pastor.
Services and visitation
According to Basler Funeral Home’s obituary listing, posted on Legacy.com, visitation is set for April 16 at Basler Funeral Home in Sainte Genevieve, with additional visitation the following day at the Church of Ste. Genevieve.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. on April 17 at the Church of Ste. Genevieve, followed by burial at Valle Spring Cemetery. The obituary suggests memorial contributions to the Community for Transcendent Men or Valle Catholic Schools.
