Benjamin F. Askew Sr.

Benjamin F. Askew Sr. ONANCOCK - Benjamin Franklin Askew Sr., husband to the late Lillian Byrum Askew and a longtime resident of Onancock, went to be with his Lord Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. Mr. Askew was a native of Kenly, N.C., and a graduate of Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, N.C. Ben Sr. was a faithful church member for his entire life and a dedicated community servant. He served on the Onancock Town Council for 36 years and was a building inspector for 29 years. In his own words, "Everyone owes the community some service, just like everyone owes service to a church, if you are going to be a part of it... you need to contribute." Ben was a strong supporter of public education and co-founder of the Onancock Business and Professional Association. He was in retail sales for more than 60 years and founded and operated Ben's Carpets for the last 30 years. Ben is survived by two sons, Ben Askew Jr. and his wife Barbara and Shelton Askew and his wife Sharon, all of Onancock; one sister, Rebecca Ferrell; and six grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. Other than his wife he was predeceased by a son, Martin and eight brothers and sisters. A funeral will be held from the Market Street United Methodist Church in Onancock on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Bob Chapman, the Rev. Wayne Parsley and the Rev. Kirk Mariner officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. There will be a visitation one hour prior at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Nandua High School Athletics, 26350 Lankford Highway, Onley, VA 23418 or to the Market Street United Methodist Church, 75 Market St., Onancock, VA 23417. Memory tributes may be sent to the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.