Dec 6, 2002 2 min read

The 36-year-old pastor of a Bullskin Township church died in a one-vehicle accident after he apparently fell asleep at the wheel while traveling southbound on Route 381 near Kreager in Westmoreland County at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday, state police at Greensburg said. Police said the Rev. Larry S. Rose of Indian Head was driving the vehicle when he apparently fell asleep and then drifted off of the berm and struck a tree. Westmoreland County Coroner Joseph Musgrove pronounced him dead at the scene at 12:15 p.m. Musgrove said the Rev. Rose died due to blunt force trauma to the chest.

Neither the Rev. Rose nor his two passengers, David Rose, 21, and Steven Rose, no age listed, both of Indian Head, were wearing seatbelts, police said. David Rose and Steven Rose suffered head injuries, police said. The vehicle sustained severe damage.

The Rev. Rose was pastor of the Rich Hill Church. He was formerly employed by Kenny Nicholson Lumber for 20 years. Prior to his death, he was employed by Wal-Mart in Mount Pleasant.

He was born Aug. 30, 1966 in Connellsville, a son of Charles E. and Dolly M. Pirl Rose of Indian Head. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Sherry Lee Shawley Rose, to whom he was married for 15 years; two children at home, Steven J. and Stacey L. Rose; three brothers, Kenneth E. Rose and his wife, Yvonne, and David Rose, all of Indian Head, and Mark A. Rose and his wife, Amy of Mount Pleasant; a sister, Robin Lea Rose of Jacksonville, Fla; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Vito C. Marrucci Funeral Home, 123. S. First St., West Side, Connellsville.