BELLA VISTA — Donald Brian Hawksley,

better known as “Punk,” died March 10 at Concordia Health and Rehab in Bella Vista, Ark. He was born Nov. 7, 1943, in Streator, Ill., to Maxine and Don Hawksley.

He moved from Streator to Mountain Home, Ark., in 1948. He finished high school there in 1962. In 1963, he and his family moved to Rogers, Ark., which he immediately claimed as his home. His father put in Prairie Creek boat dock, where Don worked for a time.

He attended and played football at Arkansas Tech for two years and then moved back to Rogers to complete his last two years at the University of Arkansas where he was a Pi Kappa Alpha, aka (PIKE). Don worked his way through college working various jobs, including, working at Cooper Communities and life guarding at Lake Atlanta. He was also in the ROTC program and quickly moved up the ranks to lieutenant. He graduated with a business degree in 1969.

Don led a colorful life after college. He went to Germany for two years as a lieutenant in the Army, where he also played football. After his service years, he toured Europe in his Volvo for over a year.

Don returned to Arkansas in 1972 and started working as a salesman for Armstrong Flooring. He eventually got into the timeshare business. In the years he sold timeshares, he lived in California, South Carolina, and Missouri. Before retiring, he worked as a real estate agent for Harris McHaney in Rogers. He had the gift of gab which made him a great salesman.

There was never a dull moment with Don. He loved making people laugh. He partied hearty and loved going to the lake with his friends, riding in his boat, the “Mooch Buster.” Many Memorial Days were spent at Pine Top. He was very close to his sister Judy, who loved to visit often. He lived life to the fullest and was definitely one of a kind.

Don was preceded in death by sisters Judy Funderburg and Sandra Martin; brother Jim Hawksley and two beloved labs, Cool Hound and Harley Sue.

He is survived by son Todd Hawksley; nieces Ashley Lee, Beth Baker, Allison Hawksley and Jennifer Jusseaume; nephew Clay Funderburg; and brother-in-law Danny Funderburg.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Benton County Animal Shelter, 405 E. Nursery Road, Rogers, Ark., 72758.

A visitation will be on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Rollins Funeral Home with a burial to follow at 1:30 at Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.