Hanz Maahs

Hanz Eric Maahs, 49, passed away April 28, 2024 with his wife and son by his side. Hanz resided in Gilbert, Arizona with his loving wife, Heather Maahs, devoted son, Lawson Maahs and Lawson’s fiance, Taylor Wilcken.

Hanz was preceded in death by his adoring parents Ivan Leroy Maahs and Ruth Ann Powers Maahs. Hanz was born and raised in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and at an early age Hanz attended New Covenant Fellowship church and was a student at Agape Christian School. He was in the Poplar Bluff High School marching band and graduated in 1992. He went on to play music at TRCC, and offered his talent and gift as a drummer with several bands and many local churches in Poplar Bluff. Hanz never lost his love of music, it was his life.

In 1999 Hanz married Heather Ashley Lawson Maahs and they were blessed to share 25 beautiful, fun and meaningful years together. In 2001 they welcomed their son, Lawson Eric Maahs, into the world and were overjoyed. Hanz was a very devoted and loving family man. You couldn’t meet Hanz and not hear how proud he was of his son Lawson and wife Heather. He was an amazing father and husband.

Hanz was a servant to the community from a young age and giving back to others was important to him. He was a Missouri Department Corrections Officer at the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City and at the Southeast Correctional Center in Charleston. He later attended training academy with the Missouri Sheriffs Association and became a peace officer in Wayne County.

After serving as a law enforcement officer he worked at the Rich Hill Youth Development Center. It was there that he found a passion for helping young people and wanted to pursue that after moving to Arizona in 2016. He worked for the Arizona Department of Child Safety as a case manager with the “in-home” unit and then went on to be a Program Supervisor in the “on-going” unit. During his time with AZDCS he helped and mentored countless families, children and co-workers. He made life-long friendships with colleagues and found his true calling as a servant of the community.

Hanz would always greet everyone with a big smile. He could make anyone laugh and if you were blessed to be his friend it was forever. He was loved by many, and a friend to all. His family and friends miss him dearly but know that he is now with his Saviour, Jesus Christ, in Heaven playing drums at the biggest church service he has ever known and reunited with loved ones. He is looking down at us with a huge smile and he is fully restored, whole and healthy.

There really aren’t enough words to express how amazing this man of God truly was and the family wants to share his story with others on a website dedicated to his legacy. Please check his memorial website for upcoming information regarding his Celebration of Life and Love Remembrance services held in Arizona and Missouri. The family will be updating and posting stories, pictures and other information about him often. In lieu of flowers you can make contributions to the Hanz Maahs Band Scholarship for Poplar Bluff High School band students. All information can be found at hanzmaahs.com