Gary L. Hartle, affectionately known as “Big Gary,” passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026. He is now finally home.

Gary was born on September 16, 1934, in Leadwood, Missouri, and grew up as the eldest of three boys. From an early age, he assumed the role of protector and caretaker for his younger brothers—a responsibility that profoundly shaped the way he lived his life and cared for those he loved.

He proudly served his country during the Korean War, a time in his life he held in great honor throughout the years.

Gary was a naturally outgoing and gregarious man who never met a stranger. He had an easy charm, a quick wit, and a joke never far from reach. He could work a room effortlessly, and his presence was often larger than life. To know him was truly to love him. He also had a genuine interest in those he met, always taking the time to listen and learn about others.

Above all, Gary was devoted to his family. He deeply adored his children, Melissa, Gary, and Tina, and found great joy in his grandchildren. He was the devoted husband of Alice Hartle, the love of his life, until her passing in 2021. Time spent with family was among his greatest joys.

Gary lived a full and varied working life and was never afraid to try something new. Over the years, he worked as a hairdresser, owned his own salon, operated and owned a pizza restaurant, and ran an extermination business, before later working in sales for Bank of America.

Resilient in the face of life’s challenges, Gary carried himself with humor, generosity, and determination. He remained intellectually sharp throughout his life, often surprising others with his extensive knowledge—especially his familiarity with the city of St. Louis. In his free time, he enjoyed cooking, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball and football, sharing a cold beer with friends at the local Elks Club, and driving his convertible—something that brought him great joy.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Alice Hartle, and his younger brothers, Kenny Hartle and Henry “Hank” Hartle.

He is survived by his siblings, Fran Jones and Stephen Hartle; his children, Tina Mason, Gary R. Hartle (“Little Gary”) and wife Kyle Hartle, and Melissa Cochran; his grandchildren, Michael (Jennifer), Kyle (Mery), and Bryan (Kristin) Mason; Ashley Hartle, Josh Hartle, Kate Cochran, and Jordan Cochran; and his great-grandchildren, Marcie; the late Jenson Robert; and the “Mason Clan,” including Xander, Emily, Ryder, Kenley, Kash, Grant, Claire, Charlotte, and Myles. He was also a beloved uncle and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Donna Kennedy, who cared for Gary over the last two years, as well as Dr. Mark Fogerty and nurse practitioner Stephanie Bingham of Esse Health for their excellent care and compassion.

Service Information

On June 4, 2026, a military service and prayer will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63125, for family and friends. Please arrive by 12:00 p.m.

When you turn onto Sheridan Road from Telegraph Road, there is a large parking lot behind Silver Springs Automotive Shop on the left, known as the Sylvan Springs Upper Parking Lot. Please pull into this lot. Vehicles will be lined up in procession, with each vehicle turning on its hazard lights.

An Elks memorial service, followed by a celebration of life, will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Affton Elks Club Lodge 2635, 6330 Heege Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63123.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

https://www.thewaytomyheart.org/gary
(Global PAD Association)

Affton Elks Club #2635 – Veterans Program in memory of Gary Hartle
Check payable to: Affton Elks #2635
6330 Heege Road
St. Louis, MO 63123