On the morning on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Larrie “Big Red” Don Askew passed away peacefully in his home in Starks, surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 83. Larry was born to Homer Askew and Margie Miller on Dec. 25, 1940. He grew up in Center, Texas with his father, Homer and his stepmother, Fanny Askew. Larrie would later marry his high school sweetheart, Francis Joy Askew and they were married on Sept. 26, 1959 and had five children, Lisa, Donnal, Alice, and their twins, Crystal and Chris.
Larrie was a hardworking man. He worked for Idico as a machinist from 1961-1966, and then went to work for Cities Service Oil Company, where he was a Machinist and would build parts for the Oil Rig. He worked there from 1966-1984, until they shut that portion of the plant down. He then worked for Mobil running the safety programs from 1984-1999 where he retired. In 2003, he and Francis took in their youngest daughter, Crystal Askew’s children, Adrian, Devin, and Icie Norris, after they sadly lost their daughter to cancer. Larrie was an avid sightseer, who loved to travel. He was able to visit all 50 states, and other countries including but not limited to Ireland, Canada, England, and Egypt. He was an active and beloved member of the DeQuincy Church of Christ, where he would attend every Sunday. Larrie was a caring and generous man, a devout and God fearing church goer, a loving father of five, an amazing grandfather of 15, a great grandfather of 37, and a great-great grandfather of three, a brother, a lover, and most importantly a trustworthy friend. He devoted his life to his family and faith.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Francis Joy Askew; sister, Imogene Askew; half brother, Elbert Fortune; father, Homer Askew; mother, Margie Miller; his step mother, Fanny Askew, and four out of five of his beloved children, Donnal, Alice, Crystal, and Chris.
Larrie is survived by his eldest daughter, Lisa Joy Askew; 15 grandchildren, Brandon, Patricia, Megan, Shannon, Raymond, Don, William, James, Kimberly, Katie, Donnal Jr., Krystal, Adrian, Devin, and Icie; 37 great-grandchildren, D’Ante, Ka-Lynn, Bradley, Nathaniel, Grayson, Samuel, Jackson, Gavin, Cassidy, Larrie, James Jr., Allie, Emma, Rhonny, Marley, Allison, Emberley, James, Andrew, Naomi, Samantha, Kylee, Aria, Rayden, Elizabeth, Azalea, Jordan Jr; along with his three great-great grandchildren, Solomon, Theo, and Ruben Jr.
Larrie was a selfless and passionate man, who would always lend a helping hand to those in need.
He laughed with us, he cried with us, he was always there for us, and he has touched the hearts of many.
He was truly loved by all, and he’ll be sincerely missed by everyone who was blessed to have met him. Larrie was a father and mentor to all.
A Celebration of Larrie’s life was held at DeQuincy Church of Christ on Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m. Bro. Al Woodard officiated. Visitation was held at Hixson-Snider Funeral Home in DeQuincy on Friday, May 17, from 5 until 8 p.m. Visitation resumed at DeQuincy Church of Christ on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial followed at Miller Annex Cemetery in Starks.
Services entrusted to Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home, 205 E. Harrison St., DeQuincy.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsnider.com.
(Paid Memorial)
