Marion – Homer L. Askew, 92, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2005 at 8:41 A.M. at Heartland Regional Medical Center.

Homer was born August 17, 1913 to Edward Eugene and Ava N. (Johnson) Askew in Tunnel Hill. He married Mary Eda Cash on April 18, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois and together they shared almost 59 years of marriage until her death on March 8, 1995.

Homer's working career began at a Civilian Conservation Corp in Oregon for 13 months; he then worked for 12 years at Caterpillar in Peoria before returning to Marion. He worked as custodian at the First Baptist Church from 1948 – 1966 where he has been a member of the church for the past 57 years. He retired in 1978 from the Department of Labor for the State of Illinois.

Homer's long career of public service began in 1966 when he was elected to the Williamson County Board, he served on the Marion City Council from 1971 – 1975. He was a charter member of the Marion Housing Authority Board which he served on for 22 years. Homer served was a delegate to the National Republican Conventions in 1980 in Dallas, TX and 1984 in New Orleans, LA and as a Williamson County Republican Chairman for 20 plus years.

Survivors include:
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

Preceded by: Parents, Wife – Mary Eva Askew, Six Brothers and Six Sisters.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Dr. Joey Brent officiating. Burial will follow in Cana Cemetery in Goreville. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

For those who prefer memorials may be given to 1st Baptist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.