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
Betty, Lisa, your dad lived a long and productive life!!! I’m sure he was met at the gates with open arms by your beautiful mom and Peggy and what a glorious reunion they had!!! He earned his rest and one day you will be able to hug this wonderful man again!!! May God wrap His loving arms around you all and grant you peace ❤️
What a Great Soul.
We loved seeing him whenever we had a Howe Get together. He will surely be missed.
Betty, we are so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. We love you and are praying for you and Jack and all of your family. Comfort and peace. 96 years is a wonderful life but it’s always hard to say goodbye for awhile. I lost my Daddy at 94 – actually I think it’s harder because you’ve had them for so long. But what a glorious reunion it will be – with Jesus and our loved ones!
Betty, I loved that your dad was such an industrial man! My dad love doing that kind of thing – work with his hands too. Gary was very creative and managed with your mom to raise three beautiful daughters which I consider you one of my besties!
Love, Cheryl B.
Thinking of you and your family! Praying for peace and comfort!
Betty, Lisa and entire “LaTurno” family The Trout side of the family sends our deepest condolences to all. Dad was a special person. I know that his reunion with Anita was so special. I have many special memories of him, though the picture in my mind is still of him standing between the two Shell gas pumps at the station.
And as Jack wrote above the smile and his sincere look of happiness inspired me through that photograph.
Sincerely Chuck, Carol and Trout Florida family.