Augustus L. Askew

Augustus L. Askew was born to his parents Merritt, Sr. and Mattie Askew on August 6, 1946 in Roba, Alabama. He was the 6th child born to this union. Affectionately known as “Koochie,” he accepted Christ at an early age and attended Creek Stand AME Church in Roba, AL. He later attended and graduated from Macon High School in May 1965. After he graduated he moved to East Chicago, IN to live with his sister Selena and her husband Nathaniel. In 1967, he met the love of his life, Princella Williams. They were united in marriage on October 27, 1968 and to this union, a daughter, Dionne, and a son, Damian, was born.

Later, Augustus gained employment with Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company in August of 1965. Later, the name of the company changed to LTV Steel. They filed bankruptcy and ISG purchased the company. A few years later, Arcelor Mittal purchased the company. He retired February 2013 with 47 ½ years of service.

After retirement, one of his weekly outings was with the “breakfast club” on Wednesdays with Don Martin, Bill Chavis, and Levi Wash. His other interests involved taking his big sister to the local casinos for pleasure. Augustus also spent a lot of time traveling to Indianapolis, IN where he supported his eldest grandson, Dae’yon, in all of his sporting activities and “Show Choir” events. His traveling partners were his wife, Princella, and his sister. He also attended many NBA games of the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis with his grandson. He was blessed to travel to many states, attending Askew/Chappell/Harris, Thomas/Smith/Williams, and Ellen/Harris family reunions. His first cruise was to Alaska in 2006 and later, a Caribbean cruise in 2012. Augustus’ most cherished memory was sitting in his lounge chair watching any and all sports until late night.

In 2004, Augustus was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The Lord blessed him to become cancer free until December 2018. After a series of chemotherapy treatments, he received good news – “cancer in remission”, but within a few days the cancer metastasized.

The Almighty sent his holy angels to take Augustus home as he made his transition on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at 7:33PM at Community Hospital in Munster, IN.

He is preceded in death by his parents Merritt, Sr. and Mattie Askew; brothers Marshall (late Willie Francis) and Isaac; sister Betty (late Frank) Beverly; niece Deborah A. Littleton; uncles Jack and James Askew; three nephews Malcolm Beverly, Rodney and Ryan Kirk Askew and sister-in-law Esternell Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Princella, of 52 years; one daughter Dionne of Indianapolis, IN; one son Damian (Rochelle) of Crete, IL; three grandchildren Dae’yon McCann of Indianapolis, IN, Damari and Riana of Crete, Il; three Godchildren JayLynn Hardick of Indianapolis, IN, Jo Ann Rias Smith of Battle Creek, MI and Quinnesia (David) Bell of Crown Point, IN; brother Merritt J. Askew, Jr. of Rockledge, FL; two sisters Celena (late Nathaniel) France and Cora Etta (Clarence) Kendrick of Detroit, MI; sister-in-law Annie of Columbus, GA; two brothers-in-law John Williams of Chicago, IL and Johnny Mac Williams of Gary, IN; uncle Walter (Minnie) of Gary, IN; aunt Lillie Mae Bell of Miami, FL; five nephews Marcus (Loretta) Keith of Indianapolis, IN, Jeffrey (Lenora) of West Palm Bay, FL, Clarence Kendrick of Detroit, MI, Kevin Williams and Jeremy (Elizabeth) Williams both of Columbus, GA; nieces Jacqueline (Rev. Eddie) Smith of Dolthan, AL, Patricia (Keith) Williams of Box Elder, SD, Fonetta (late Ryan)  of Crown Point, IN, Selena of Rockledge, FL, April (John) Jordan of Titusville, FL, Tiffany Bradford of East Chicago, IN, Andreana Austin of Westland, MI; ten great nieces, six great nephews, best buddy and neighbor Donald Martin and James Carpenter, his longtime friend who blessed his life with love and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Augustus L. Askew, please visit our floral store.