Earl R. ASKEW Sr.

HAMPTON - Earl R. Askew Sr., affectionately known as Pete, born Feb. 18, 1928 in Philadelphia, died peacefully in his home Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. He was 81.
Mr. Askew was the son of the late Walter and Molly Askew. He grew up in Hampton, Va., and was educated in Hampton public schools. He graduated from Phoenix High School. He worked as an electrical engineering technician at NASA, Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., for 33 years before retiring in 1986. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a longtime member of Ebenezer Baptist Church on Semple Farm Road, Hampton, Va., and a member of the George P. Phoenix High School 50+ Club.
Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Verbena M. Askew of Suffolk, Va., and Sonja A. Brewer (James) of Hampton, Va.; a son, Earl R. Askew Jr. (Lorraine) of Hampton; an aunt, Frances Hoggard of Philadelphia, Pa.; four grandchildren, Ashley Blowe, Brandon Blowe, Alex Brewer and Kaghon Askew, all of Hampton; and one great-grandson, Cameron Bradley of Newport News; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is also survived by a former wife, Catherine Askew of Newport News.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Askew; two sisters, Bernice Lewis and Carrie Martin; and one brother, Marshall Askew.
Earl Askew was small in stature but he carried himself like a big man, and he did so with dignity and grace. He was a man of taste, who never wore shorts, and never wore an article of clothing that was plaid. He dressed in classic cuts and neutral colors, and he favored suits of black, brown, gray or navy. He liked nice cars, but he would never have owned or driven one that was red.
His children learned right and wrong from him, but they learned a great deal more. He was loving toward them, and toward his grandchildren and he will be missed.
A service will be held at noon Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Hampton, Va. Burial will follow in Hampton Veterans Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will assemble by 11 a.m. Friday, at 703 Ernskine Drive, Hampton. Viewing will be Thursday, Dec. 17, beginning at noon and the family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Arrangements by Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home, Ronald C. Perkins Jr., Funeral Director. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.