Raymond Lorin Askew, 84, of Kirksville, MO passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026 at Manor Care Center in Kirksville, MO.

Ray was born in Gravette, AR on September 6, 1942 to Raymond M. and Laura (Gruver) Askew. When Ray was two years old, his family moved from Arkansas to Arizona where he spent the majority of his childhood.

Ray met the love of his life, Linda Simmons, while his father was preaching at the Surprise, AZ Church of God (Holiness). They were married on January 9, 1964 in Knab, Utah. They enjoyed a full life together for 62 years. Ray and Linda welcomed four children of their own as well as multiple foster children throughout the years.

As a teenager, Ray accepted Christ as his personal Savior and served God faithfully throughout his life. If the church doors were open, Ray could be counted on to be in attendance. Ray served on multiple church boards throughout his life. He could often be found early in the morning reading his Bible, drinking his beloved coffee, and eating “devotional cookies.”

He spent over 60 years working in the field of construction, doing hundreds of remodeling and maintenance projects. He took pride in his detailed and careful work with his motto being “measure twice and cut once.” Ray also viewed his work as a ministry. He assisted in building
multiple churches, served as caretaker of Harmony Hill Youth Camp, and worked maintenance at Kansas City College and Bible School. The final years of his working life involved driving school buses, tour buses, church buses and the local OATS bus. Ray especially enjoyed driving the OATS bus as it gave him the opportunity to visit with many people and continue to make new friends. After retirement, he loved woodcarving and using his talent to make various woodworking projects.

Ray never met a stranger. He loved visiting with friends and family whether on the phone or in person. He especially loved time spent with his children and extended family.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Linda Askew, his children Tony (Barbara) Askew, Brenda Burney, Kevin (Aimee) Askew, and Michael (Jamie) Askew. His grandchildren: Nikita, Caleb, Danika, Devon, Rashaun, Caden, Kaitlynn, Ian, Kennidy, Addison, Kylierose, Kanaan, and Sunshine. Great grandchildren: Avery, Priscilla-Faith, Bailey and Dodge.

Ray will be remembered for his genuine care and interest in others and his ability to strike up a conversation with everyone he met.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Church of God (Holiness) World Missions Department. Donations can be given online at coghworldmissions.org or mail to P.O. Box 225 El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 25 at the Kirksville Church of God (Holiness) at 1601 N. Elson St. Kirksville, MO. Visitation will be held at 3:00 pm with service to follow at 4:00 pm.

Arrangements were taken care of by Travis-Noe Funeral Home of Kirksville.