Louis Hawkins

Louis Lee Hawkins, Sr., 87, beloved dad, Grandpa, Pappaw and Pappy, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024. Louis was welcomed with open arms by the love of his life, Rheta Ann, who passed away in March. He was also reunited with his son Louie, who preceded him in death.

Born January 19, 1937 in Marston, Missouri, Louis moved to the west side of Indianapolis with his parents and two brothers, Bill and Doyle, who also preceded him in death. Louis spent his summers as a caddy at nearby golf courses before graduating from George Washington High School. In 1952, Louis met his beautiful bride at a local soda fountain, and they married on January 30, 1955. Together they raised their son and two daughters in their house on Wellington Avenue, which they called home for nearly 60 years.

Louis worked as a stocker at Meisenberger Grocery before beginning his apprenticeship at DeMoss Tool and Die, where he built dies for large appliance manufacturers like General Electric and JennAir. He continued his career at Major Tool and Die until retiring in December 2003.

One of his favorite pastimes was family weekends at Lakewood Marina on Lake Shaefer, where he pulled the kids and their friends on inner tubes and water skis behind the family boat. He served as his son-in-law’s unofficial crew chief at the race track, climbing the wall with the pit board to provide lap counts and timing and scoring updates.

Louis was a proud Grandpa and Pappaw, accompanying his granddaughters to Girl Scout dances and rooting on his grandson’s baseball team. Friday nights were for Long John Silver’s and sleepovers with the grandkids. Saturday nights were reserved for family meals and quality television: Cops and America’s Most Wanted. His pride swelled with the birth of the great-grandchildren and his new title of Pappy. He picked up the kids from preschool, and took them to picnic and play at the “Pink Park.” He attended dance recitals and basketball games; shared stories and ice cream.

Louis liked to tinker with lawn mowers and small engines he collected on heavy trash day, lovingly earning him the nickname “Sanford” after the treasure-hunting television character. He enjoyed his pre-dinner routine of pretzels and salsa and “drinky poos.” He perused Ebay for things he was never going to buy, and he enjoyed wheeling and dealing. He spent his evenings on the front porch enjoying a cold drink and counting cars. His favorite decade was the 1950s, because they don’t make music and cars like that anymore. But nothing matched the love and pride Louis felt for his family.

Louis spent his last few days surrounded by loved ones. His devotion as a loving husband, father and grandfather is the legacy for which he will always be remembered.

Louis is survived by daughters Cindy (David) Dudgeon and Vicki (Dan) Furlani, grandchildren Amanda (Todd) Westerfield, Jennifer (Don) Swartz, Allison (Justin) Hunt and Jeffrey (Shannon) Thinnes, Daniel and Anthony Furlani; great-grandchildren Shelby and Kennedy Westerfield, Adison and Luke Swartz, Connor and Grant Hunt, Logan Thinnes and Kallie Benedick; great-great-granddaughter Lennox; and several nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Southpointe Healthcare Center and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care and unwavering support over the past several months. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, from 4-8PM at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East. A funeral service will be held the following day at 12PM. Louis will be laid to rest in Washington Park East Cemetery next to his late wife, Rheta.