Near Halltown in Lawrence County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Gary's Gay Parita, Gay Parita, Missouri

Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 20, 2025

1. Gary's Gay Parita, Gay Parita, Missouri Marker

Inscription. Formerly known as Gay Parita Sinclair Service, Fred and Gay Mason established a station here in 1930. It was lovingly recreated by Gary & Lena Turner in 2006. The Turners became known around the world for their hospitality and passion for Route 66.

"Friends For Life"

Erected by Oklahoma Route 66 Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Route 66 Roadside Attractions, and the U.S. Route 66 series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 37° 11.661′ N, 93° 40.759′ W. Marker is near Halltown, Missouri, in Lawrence County. It is on Old U.S. 66 east of Lawrence (Route 1210), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21099 Old 66, Ash Grove MO 65604, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and

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the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Spencer Station, Spencer, Missouri (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Ozark Trail (approx. 9.8 miles away); First Permanent Home of Bank of Ash Grove, Mo (approx. 9.8 miles away); Lawrence County Veterans Memorial (approx. 10.3 miles away); Honoring our Veterans (approx. 11.7 miles away); Nathan Boone Cabin (approx. 11.9 miles away); Armed Forces Memorial (approx. 12.2 miles away); The Battle of Dug Springs (approx. 16.1 miles away).

More about this marker. This is not one of the original "Hampton Hotels" markers that were placed in 2003. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association began making similar markers for Route 66 attractions (both Oklahoma and surrounding states) in 2023 to help gear up for 2026, which will be the centennial anniversary for Route 66.

Regarding Gary's Gay Parita, Gay Parita, Missouri. Gary and Lena both passed away in 2015. Their daughter, Barbara,

Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 20, 2025

2. Gary's Gay Parita, Gay Parita, Missouri Marker

Marker is in front of the place

and her partner George continue to run the place which has been a popular Route 66 stop for travelers. It is a free attraction, and usually George is on the grounds to answer anyone's questions. There is a gift shop which helps keep the place financially stable (donations are welcome as well).

Parts of Chappell Roan's music video for her hit song "Hot To Go" were filmed in front of the service station.

Also see . . . Friends For Life (article). From Route Magazine (Route 66-themed), this gives a backstory at what is now one of the Mother Road's most popular free attractions. (Submitted on May 22, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 20, 2025

3. Gary's Gay Parita, Gay Parita, Missouri Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 262 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.