Michael Wayne Hawpe

Michael Wayne Hawpe, 75, of La Vernia, Texas peacefully passed from this life on Friday December 12, 2025 surrounded by family after a brief illness. He was born April 20, 1950, in Pampa, Texas to Miller and Darlene Hawpe joining siblings, Monty & Linda and later another sister, Jenny was born to the family. Mike knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior for many years and with renewed spirit, he was baptized in 2004.

In 1959, the family moved to White Deer, TX where he completed all of his school years graduating in 1968. Mike’s school years were marked with a very successful athletic career earning honors of All-District, All-State and All American in football as Bucks #34 defensive linebacker and also lettering in basketball and track. Mike was captain of the football and basketball teams and crowned basketball king his senior year. Mike was also a Boys State Delegate in Academics.

Earning a football scholarship, Mike moved to Norman, Oklahoma where from 1968 – 1972 he was a member of the OU Boomer Sooner Football team playing Linebacker and Offensive guard. As a Sooner, Mike was on a Big 8 Champion team with appearances in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl and the Sugar Bowl 2 times. Mike was a lifelong & devoted Sooner watching every OU sporting event possible and attending numerous games & special events. Mike made lifelong friends while at OU including teammate, roommate, coworker & best friend David Geren. For decades, when David and Mike were unable to attend or watch OU games together, they often would spend the entire game texting and/or talking by phone.

Mike worked in a variety of professions with several moves to various states and both coasts. He lived in Mineral Wells, TX for 22 years before relocating to La Vernia, TX to begin a life with his newfound love Betty in 2024. He felt very blessed and happy in his new surroundings and expanded family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, brother Monty and wife Anne. Mike is survived by his love, Betty Winters (daughter Brandie Winters and granddaughter Sydney), sisters, Patsy Micou, Linda Parker, Jenny Wood (husband, Mike) and lots of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held graveside in White Deer cemetery on Friday, December 19th at 12:30 pm.. Pallbearers will be the Wood men, Mike, Matt, Michael, Colby, Hunter and Noah.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cal Farley’s Boy’s Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101-3228. Calfarley.org