Louis Wayne Hawkins, also known as Shifty (South Dakota), Buz (family name), and Lou, was born in Mobridge, South Dakota, to James Wayne and Lillian Eda {Sperry).
As a child, he contracted polio and livedin Hot Springs, S.D., for three summers undergoing intensive physical therapy.
He played trombone in the marching band, sang bass in the men’s and mixed choirs, then graduated from Mobridge High School. He attended Northern State College until he decided to explore the rest of the United States. While he was traveling, he worked at the L.A. Times and was drafted into the Army, working as a company clerk. When he returned to South Dakota, he worked for UPS as a driver and union steward.
Lou moved into the field of video security, planning and installing security systems for corporate clients in MN, IL, and multiple locations in the Northeast. He officed in the World Trade Center, driving into New York City daily from Sussex, N.J.
He resided in Mobridge, Minneapolis, Chicago, and New Jersey, moving with his wife, Deb, and children, Michael and Sabrina. After retiring from the security company, he began working as a golf ranger and connected with a number of friends. In November 2020, Lou and Deb moved to the Dallas area to be near their daughter and family.
When he contracted Covid-19, he had met some very important life goals of moving to Texas and settling there. Shortly thereafter, he was treated for Covid at Baylor Hospital System.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Lillian. Heis survived by his wife, Debra (Gunther); and their children, Mike and his fiance, Jesssica Panfile, of Wantage, N.J., and Sabrina and her husband, Brian, andt heir son, Dylan of Scurry, Texas. Lou’s sister Susan lives in Minneapolis.
He will be missed by all. Condolences may be sent to 5006 Timarron Drive Scurry TX 75158.