Danville—Lawrence Kendrick, who sustained critical injuries in a June 6 car accident while serving on a mission trip in Russia, died July 2 in Danville. He was 68 years old.

Kendrick, a member of First Baptist Church of Junction City, was part of an eight-member mission team serving in Russia last month. While visiting friends in Bryansk, Russia, the taxi Kendrick was riding in was struck by a dump truck. He suffered multiple injuries, including several broken bones and brain trauma.

After spending more than two weeks in Russian hospitals, Kendrick was flown back to the United States and admitted to the University of Kentucky’s Chandler Medical Center. Doctors at UK diagnosed Kendrick with diffuse axonal injury, a traumatic brain condition. He was transferred to the Danville hospital a few days later to be closer to his family.

Ernest Martin, who served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Junction City, from 1998-2004 and accompanied Kendrick to Russia, remembered his late friend as a “very pleasant person and … a fine, dedicated Christian.”

Kendrick “loved mission work and just fell in love with the Russian Christians,” Martin recalled. “He’s going to be greatly missed by the church and the whole community.”

A native of Danville, Kendrick served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist, Junction City. He also was a former member of Gideons International.

Kendrick remained active in the community as well, serving on the board of directors and as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity in Boyle County. Kendrick was a retired sales representative for Bush Hog.

Funeral services for Kendrick were held July 6 at First Baptist, Junction City. He is survived by his wife, Ramona, three sons and nine grandchildren.

Martin noted that those who wish to can still make donations to a fund set up to assist Kendrick’s family with medical expenses. Gifts can be made through First Baptist, Junction City, or at any PBK Bank branch in Kentucky.