AHOSKIE – Arthur Leon Askew, Sr., age 71 of Ahoskie, died peacefully at his home on January 25, 2015. He was born in Bertie County to the late Lillie Mae Ward Askew and William Clyde Askew.

He graduated from West Bertie High School. Arthur was a devoted son, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He spent most of his life farming, an occupation that he loved. He also loved his community and his church, Center Grove Baptist, where he served as a deacon. After retiring he discovered his talent for art; enjoying painting landscapes, old barns, mountains, and nature scenes.

Along with his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by a brother, William Clyde Askew, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Carolyn Conner Askew; daughters, Pam Askew of Ahoskie, NC, and Victoria Schaefer and her husband, John of Ashburn, VA; son, Arthur Askew, Jr. and his wife, Kerri of Monroe, NC; grandsons, Arthur Luke (Luke) and Dillon Askew; brothers, Rudolph “Rudy” Askew and his wife, Ramona of Roper, NC, and David Askew and his wife, Margaret of Denton, NC; a sister, Margie Turner of Rocky Mount, NC; sister-in-law, Verlie Askew of New Bern, NC; brother-in-law, James Connor of Rocky Mount, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2015, from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service -Ahoskie Chapel, Ahoskie, NC.

A celebration of life funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at 2:00 pm at Center Grove Baptist Church, Ahoskie, NC with the Rev. Daniel Mullens and the Rev. Jacob Tayloe officiating. Burial will follow the service at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Center Grove Baptist Church, 826 Center Grove Road, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or the Guillain-Barre Foundation, The Holly Building, 104 ½ Forrest Ave, Narberth, PA, 19072.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service-Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Askew family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com