Louie Neal Sakis

Louie Neal Sakis was born June 26 1948 in Fort Smith Arkansas to Ophelia Ridenoure Sakis and Louie Monroe Sakis. He had two sisters, Judy was the eldest and Aneka (Annette) came in later years. When he was four, he and his parents moved to California where they initially resided in Redondo Beach and then in 1955 they moved to Lakewood. Lou attended Esther Lindstrom Elementary School across the street from their home on Droxford and then attended Mayfair High School. During his adolescent years he became great friends with Mike Combe, Ken Arnold, Glynn McKinney and Gary Sullivan. Lou also enjoyed spending time with his California cousins, Steve, Patty and Miriam. He also loved hanging out with his Arkansas cousins Earl and Karen Ridenoure. In 1966 he graduated from Mayfair High School and sought employment with Hughes Air Craft in El Segundo with assistance from the neighbor and family friend, Ronnie Prescott. Shortly after his employment, “uncle Sam” elected him into the Army. After his service he returned to Lakewood to complete 37 years of dedicated service with Hughes Aircraft which he also met Emily which became one of his best friends.

Lou met Virginia McKinney in High School and they began dating. They both enjoyed racing, shooting pool and other fun outdoor activities. On August 8, 1969 Lou and Virginia were married at The First Baptist Church of Dominguez where they attended regularly. This particular day had record breaking heat which had melted the wedding cake. Also, the pastor had a heart attack which led to them being married by the janitor (who was in training to be a pastor at the time). They later had two daughters Michele and Andrea.

Lou had much extended family in both California and in Arkansas including the Rodriguezes, Frousakises, Ridenoures, Burnetts, Thornsberrys, Malotts and many more.

During his life he had made many lifelong friends. He met Stan Richards at the Sprint Car races, Keith and Trish West who lived across the street and many others.

During his life he enjoyed many activities. His favorites were Sprint Car Races, working on Sprint Cars, NASCAR, Dominos, Hunting, Fishing and Rummikub just to name a few. When Michele and Andrea were little, Lou enjoyed taking the family cars out and racing them on weekends. It wasn’t uncommon for him, Ken and Glynn to work on the Chevelle and Ford Fairlane and race them for fun.

Later in his life he enjoyed watching his Grandchildren Marika, Audra and Boston do Tae Kwon Do, play Soccer, joined them in Rummikub, Connect Four and taught them how to play chess. He enjoyed spending time with extended families including the Trimmers and the Drinnens. He also enjoyed spending time with all of the family pets.

After his retirement he moved to Arkansas to enjoy a retired life of fishing, riding on quads and hunting with the boys. Lou also enjoyed spending time with his close friend Dewey who owns and operates a towing business in Winslow, he also enjoyed many wonderful times with special cousins Karen and Earl Ridenoure, the Burnetts, the Willards, the Wades, the Thornsberrys, the Ridenoures and many others.

Lou would make frequent trips to California to be with his family: Michele and her husband Jon, and Andrea and her husband Robert and his grandkids Marika, Audra, and Boston. Family was important to Lou.

Lou lived a very full and fun life. He was surrounded by many friends and loved ones. He was a happy, easy going person who loved life and it showed.

Lou was called home by the Lord on the evening of March 6, 2016. He will be laid to rest in Freedom Cemetery in Chester Arkansas beside his mother, Ophelia Ridenoure Sakis.

L uyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401
www.luybendilday.com