Robert Lee Askew, Sr.

Robert Lee Askew, Sr., age 86 of Louisville, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a lifetime of stories that his family will be telling for generations.  Born to the late Mose and Lucille (James) Askew, Robert was never one to sit still for long. For more than 30 years, he proudly worked at GE, not only keeping things running on the assembly line but also standing up for his coworkers as a strong and respected Union leader. He believed in hard work, fairness, and doing things the right way — preferably with a smile and a little joke to keep everyone laughing through the day.

A faithful member of Zion Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Ernest Robinson, Robert’s faith was steady and sincere. When he wasn’t at church, you could find him under the hood of a car, tinkering away and proving he could fix just about anything with a wrench, a prayer, and maybe a little duct tape.  Robert loved his cars almost as much as he loved his Cardinals. A true UofL fan, he followed every sport like it was a personal mission — and he wasn’t shy about letting you know exactly how the team should be playing. Win or lose, he was proud to be a Cardinal fan through and through.

When the weather was right, you’d find Robert casting a line at his favorite fishing spot or tending to his garden, where he grew the kind of vegetables that put grocery store produce to shame. He delighted in sharing his homegrown bounty with friends and family, proving that his giving spirit was as abundant as his harvests.  Above all, Robert was known for his humor. He had a gift for making people laugh — sometimes with him, sometimes at him — and he was perfectly fine either way. His laughter was infectious, his smile unforgettable, and his ability to find joy in any moment made him a bright light in every room he entered.

Robert leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Mabell (Sherman) Askew; children: Deretha Askew, Steven Askew, Robert Askew, JR.,  Terrance Askew, and Tony Askew; two sisters, Barbara Darden and Delores Ogletree; brothers, Curtis Harrington and Willie Askew; 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren — each one a proud carrier of his love, laughter, and quick wit. 

He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Askew & Rodney Askew; two siblings, Dennis Harrington and Loretta Askew; a grandson, JaQuan Askew; and great-grandson, Muni Jaiteh, who we can only imagine are now laughing right along with him in Heaven.

Memorial Services will be held at 1 PM on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Scott Funeral Home (2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville), officiated by Rev. Bobby Huguley. Friends may visit from 11 AM until service time on Friday at the funeral home.

Robert Lee Askew, Sr. lived his life with joy, faith, and a twinkle in his eye. His laughter will echo in the hearts of those who loved him — a reminder that the best way to honor him is to live, laugh, and love just as fully as he did.

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