Homer Lee Askew was born August 17, 1913 to Edward Eugene Askew (1882-1972) and Ava Narcissus Johnson (1887-1947) in Tunnel Hill, Johnson County, Illinois. Homer was only one of thirteen children belonging to the large farm family.
In the 1920 federal census, Homer was aged 6, living with his parental family on the family’s Tunnel Hill farmland. Siblings present in the home were Raymond Askew 14, Gomer Askew 12, Allen Askew 10, Beatrice Askew 8, George Askew 4, Mildred Askew 2 and Otto Askew, 8 months old.
In the 1930 census, the family was still living on their Tunnel Hill farm. Homer was the oldest child during this census at age 16. Siblings present were George D. Askew 14, Mildred Askew 12, Arlie O. Askew 10, Amanda L. Askew 8, Delbert D. Askew 6 and Dortha M. Askew aged 3.
During the depression of the early 1930’s Homer’s working career began at a Civilian Conservation Corp in Oregon for 13 months.
He married Mary Eva Cash on April 18, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois where they lived at 507 E. Bell Ave, while he was working as an assembler for the Caterpillar Company. In 1937, Homer was listed as a press operator at Caterpillar and was living at 505 N. Perry St. They also later lived at 716 N. Jefferson, 20 S. Chicago and finally at 716 Greenlawn Avenue.
Homer worked for 12 years at Caterpillar in Peoria starting in 1936, before returning to Marion in 1948.
He worked as custodian at the First Baptist Church from 1948 -1966. The couple then lived at 203 W. Patrick Street through this period, but before 1970, had moved to 100 E. Patrick Street where they remained until the late 1980’s when they moved to 907 S. Midway Court.
Homers long career of public service began in 1966 when he was elected to the Williamson County Board. He was also a charter member of the Marion Housing Authority Board which he served on for 22 years.
He retired in 1978 from the Department of Labor for the State of Illinois.
He served on the Marion City Council from 1975 – 1979 and was on the council during the snow storm of 1979. Homer served as a delegate to the National Republican Conventions in 1980 in Dallas, Texas and 1984 in New Orleans, Louisiana and as a Williamson County Republican Chairman for 20 plus years.
On March 8, 1995, his wife Eva passed away and was interred in Cana Cemetery north of Goreville, Illinois. Together they had shared almost 59 years of marriage.
Homer, 92, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2005 at 8:41 A.M. at Heartland Regional Medical Center. He had been a member of the First Baptist Church for the 57 years, since 1948.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Eva Askew, six brothers and six sisters.
Survivors included: Two Sons; Larry E. Askew and wife Margo of Cumming, GA Samuel R. Askew and wife Sue of Marion Daughter Patricia L. Holland and husband Don of Centralia Seven Grandchildren; Brett Holland and wife Monica of Marion Brian Askew and wife Lori of Atlanta, GA Garret Askew and wife Heidi of Columbus, GA Bart Holland of St. Louis, MO Mike Mayfield of Marion Daniel Mayfield and wife Nancy of Marion Melanie Concepcion and husband Robert of Dania Beach, FL Thirteen Great Grandchildren; Brynn, Dallyiz, Caden, and Cullen Askew Mitchell Phillips and Parker Holland Zach, Dylan, Caleb, Danniel, and Abbi Mayfield Robert and Joseph Concepcion Brother-in-law Lawrence and Bertha Bloodworth of Marion Sister-in-law Anna Mae Dodds of Marion Sister-in-law Lillie Askew of Peoria Brother-in-law Al Gerberding of Kankakee Several Nieces and Nephews
Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Dr. Joey Brent officiating. Burial followed in Cana Cemetery in Goreville next to his wife Mary. Visitation was held Tuesday from 5:00 P.M. 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
(Extracted from Marion Daily Republican obits, December 2005; Federal Census Records; Marion Street Directories; compiled by Sam Lattuca on 12/05/2013)