Herbert J Askew

Herbert J. Askew was born on March 19, 1927 in Bertie County, North Carolina, to the late Spurgeon and Annie Askew.  He was raised in Hexalena, and attended C. G. White High School in Powellsville. After school, he married Geneva Ward, and enlisted in the Unites States Military Army. Herbert served in the U. S. Army during World War II and received an Honorable Discharge. Herbert and Geneva then moved to Boston, Massachusetts.

Herbert and Geneva had two children, Deric Askew and Alease Askew, whom they loved dearly.

Herbert then got a job and worked at Coopers Auto Body / Mechanic Shop in Dedham, Ma. for 30 years, and he then retired. He told everyone that he was going to enjoy retirement.

Herbert’s  hobbies  included hunting, fishing, and working on vehicles.  He also enjoyed his gardening… vegetable and flowers.  Herbert always enjoyed working on the home, and at home he would say that he wouldn’t always have to drive, but could just wake up and start doing what he needed to do.

Herbert was predeceased by his wife, Geneva, and their two children.  He leaves to cherish his memory 2 Grandchildren Troy B. Askew Sr & Andriana Parham, 2 Great-Grandchildren Bryana Askew, & Troy B. Askew Jr, 1 Sister, 2 Sisters-in-Laws, Mable Askew and Ruth Mallory, 2 Nieces, Trina Askew, Erica Askew, 2 Nephews, Brian & Quentin Askew, and plenty of other cousins, and friends.

Personal tribute from Troy, Sr.

To tell you all the truth I had a hard time putting all of grandpa’s good traits into writing. No matter how hard I try,  I can never do justice to what he overcame in his lifetime. I know we are grieving today for what we lost… a great man. But we know wherever he is now, he’s happy and content with what he left us.

Herbert was a Father, a Grandfather, and a friend to all of us. I’m sure each one of you here today has something to share on how Herbert touched your life. He shared a lot of good memories, especially with me and others. We shared lots of things together and he was one of my favorite mentors. I don’t know if I can still be the same person I was ,now that he is gone. As some of you already know,  Herbert really loved his classic Westerns Movies and listening to his Jazz & Blues music. When I had the time, I would either watch the Classic Westerns or listen to the Jazz & Blues when I was able to do so, and I enjoyed our times together. I would also rock my head from side to side, along with Herbert, and we would both pat our thighs as we listened to the music.

Herbert was a strong man and he would get his way some of the time. Maybe that one quality I got from him. We had our short talks before the Pandemic arrived. Even if I did not finish what I had to say he would have some type of answer that he could give me.  Herbert was also the kind of person that would think about others before himself. Herbert never liked asking for help, but he was always ready to lend a helping hand to others. He would do everything in his power to help other people.

Although Herbert never got the chance, I think in his own way, he was able to show us how important we all were to him. We may no longer see Herbert, but we’ll always have these special moments we shared with him. Herbert will always have a special part in our hearts. Let’s be thankful for the years we had him in our lives … a special man, Herbert J. Askew, Grandpa.

Gone…but not forgotten

A Graveside Service in The Massachusetts National Cemetery on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 1:30 pm. WWII Army Veteran.

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