Dennis Gene Askew

Dennis Gene Askew, age 81, of Kankakee passed away peacefully to be with his savior on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born November 18, 1942 in Kankakee, the son of Clyde & Dorothy (Eden) Askew. Dennis married Leah Mae Leach on May 14, 1965 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kankakee. Dennis was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He lived most of his life in Kankakee and was a graduate of St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Kankakee High School. Dennis’ first job was at his father’s restaurant where he met the love of his life, Leah. They were married for almost 60 years. Dennis served in the United States Army as a Field Wireman at the 24th Evac Hospital and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. During his service he could do, make, or fix almost anything. Dennis was especially gifted in engineering and could fix almost any machine. He worked for many places such as Arthur Motor Works, Home Appliance, Sherwin Williams, and the East Court Villages where he fixed any issues in the building. He loved helping the seniors that lived in the building. Denny was kind, helpful, and fun to be around. He loved working on cars and motorcycles, music, reading, traveling, especially to Florida, and helping family and friends build things. Denny enjoyed scuba diving and was a PADI certified diver, instructor, and divemaster. Denny was president of the KUDA Club (Kankakee Underwater Diving Association). He enjoyed his children’s musicals and show choir events of which he always helped at. He loved his grandchildren and being around his great-granddaughter. Denny was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, Leah Mae Askew of Kankakee; one son, Robert (Yvette) Askew of Aliso Viejo, CA; one daughter, Christine (Joel) Vaughn of Kankakee; one brother, Duane Askew of Madison, WI; two grandchildren, Hayley (Tom) Kelly and Charlie Vaughn; one great-granddaughter, Eleanora; and many nieces and nephews. Dennis is preceded in death by his loving parents. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private family inurnment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at a later date. A celebration of life for Dennis will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family wishes, where they will use the money for veteran related causes.

Dennis Gene Askew

November 18, 1942 - May 25, 2024

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Dennis Gene Askew

November 18, 1942 - May 25, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

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About Us

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Grief & Healing

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