Gary "Giz" Mahurin

Giz Mahurin, 81, of Desloge, passed on to Heaven, Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Giz was born May 21, 1944, in Bonne Terre, to the late Ray and Naomi (Powell) Mahurin.

Giz graduated from Desloge High School, Class of 1962, and received his AA degree from Mineral Area College. His career was spent in the insurance industry. He received numerous awards while doing this, but his greatest passion was coaching summer baseball for the Bismarck and Flat River MABA teams. He was instrumental in bringing the Babe Ruth Baseball league to this area. His Bismarck team won the state championship in 1978, and his Flat River team won the state championship in 1988. His motto was “Gentlemen, walks and errors score.”

On September 28, 1979, Giz married the love of his life, Travena Kaye (Robinson) Mahurin. To this union, Giz brought Gary Lynn Mahurin II “Little Giz” and Kaye brought Todd and Doug Landolt. They blended this family and loved each child as their own.

Giz was a member of the First Baptist Church of Park Hills. He taught a boys Sunday School class for a few years. Giz and Kaye spent ten years wintering in Lake Wales, Florida. He enjoyed the warmth and playing golf. Giz was also an Elvins Ionic Lodge 50 plus member, Lead Belt Golf Course, SEMO Seniors, as well as the Hole in One Club.

Giz is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Kaye Mahurin; sons, Gary Mahurin II and wife Robin, Todd Landolt and wife Rita, Doug Landolt and wife Holly; grandchildren Chelsie (Timmy) Wimpee, Garrett Mahurin, Jacob Landolt and Jenna Landolt; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Yost and Danny Wimpee; special cousin, Beans Mahurin; several cousins, other family members and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The visitation will resume on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of Masonic Service at 12:45 PM, followed by funeral service at 1:00 PM. Reverend J.C. Moore will be officiating. Interment will follow at Odd Fellow Cemetery in Park Hills. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Those who knew Giz will forever remember his infectious smile and kind demeanor, which lit up every room he entered.