Gary Thomas LaTurno, age 96, was born June 1, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Walter Lee LaTurno and the late Della Marie (Bailey) LaTurno. Gary passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Anita, and his eldest daughter, Peggy Hines. He is survived by two daughters: Betty Huffman (Jack) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Lisa Howe (Rob) of Arnold, Missouri; son-in-law, Ed Hines, of Spencer, Indiana; seven grandchildren: Robin, Sarah (Ryan), Matthew (Alisha), Jeff, Mike (Jennifer), Jared (Amanda), and Makensie; nine great-grandchildren: Ashlyn (Luis), Abi, Emma (Jacob), Jade, Kylee (Jacob), Jackson, Avalyn, Lilly, and Madison; and one great-great-granddaughter, Arya Rose.
Gary met the love of his life, Anita, at Shaw Avenue United Methodist Church youth group where they became close friends with several other couples. Little did they know those friendships would last them a life time. They married at Shaw Avenue Church on September 15, 1950.
In their early married years, Gary held several jobs. He worked for Coca Cola and then for International Harvester. Always interested in cars, he bought a Standard gas station on Hampton Avenue near Hampton Village, where he discovered how much he enjoyed working on them.
As his family grew, he moved them to South County and sold the city Standard station. He then purchased two Shell gas stations in the county less than a mile apart. He loved working with his hands, helping people with car troubles, pumping gas, and cleaning windshields. This meant working long hours to support his growing family.
Years later, he sold the gas stations and became manager of Sears Automotive Service Department at Northwest Plaza. After that, he was offered a teaching position at Ranken Technical Institute, now known as Ranken Technical College, where he taught diesel mechanics. One of the biggest projects for his students was dismantling and reassembling Big Bertha, a massive train locomotive diesel engine. It was always his greatest challenge, but it left the students with a deep sense of accomplishment and pride.
After leaving Rankin, Gary purchased two – four family flats, several duplexes, and other rental property in the city. With the help of his wife, Anita, he completely remodeled each rental unit with modern fixtures and decor. He also bought a laundry mat, which he updated, and together with his father-in-law, they worked there to help put his two oldest daughters through college.
Throughout Gary’s life, he taught himself the skills needed to any job. He frequently offered to help family as well as friends with their car troubles, house remodeling plans, and anything else they might need.
Gary accomplished many things in his life, but his family meant the world to him. He considered himself greatly blessed to have his whole family (approximately 30 people and growing) together in his home every year at Christmas.
Visitation: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
Celebration of Life: 11:00 am in the Chapel.
Burial immediately following.
Kutis Funeral Home
5255 Lemay Ferry Rd.
St, Louis, MO 63125