Robert E. Askew

Born a Texan to Lyndon and Marie Askew, Bob grew up in Ferris. The University of Texas taught Bob, among many other things, to sing "The Eyes of Texas" proudly and his blood ran orange ever since. After a brief stint in the in U.S. Army, Bob returned to pursue his childhood dream of being a physician. He turned southward to Galveston to attend The University of Texas Medical Branch where he graduated with honors in 1959. The highlight of his senior year, and indeed his life, was his marriage to Jenell on December 27th, 1958. The love they shared and imparted touched all who became a part of their lives and provided the touchstone for their many adventures.

Upon completion of his surgical residency, Bob, Jenell, and their children returned to the hills of Austin and, in the shadow of the UT Tower, established a home and a surgical practice. The practice and the young family grew along with the city of Austin.

Dr. Askew was an excellent physician and a master surgeon. He described the practice of medicine as an art rather than a science, an approach that is difficult to measure but rather easy to recognize. A gentleman in every respect, he embodied the qualities to which all physicians aspire: intelligence, skill, respect for human dignity, empathy, and kindness. He went about his art with the rare quality of humility and endeared himself to patients and colleague alike, ultimately inspiring each of his children to pursue careers in medicine. Dr. Askew was awarded a long list of accolades in recognition of his passion and success in patient care, his devotion to the development of the Austin medical community, and to Austin itself.

Bob's passions were best summed up in his one regret, "I wish I could spend more time with my family and I retired too early." He loved his family, his practice and anything related to The Longhorns. Those that knew him well will chuckle. He simply loved life!

As a man, Bob would best be described as generous; generous with his love, his time, and his patience, both personally and professionally. He was quick to laugh and quick to befriend and always ready to lend an ear or a shoulder. Whether you needed a long laugh or a short story, he was eager to oblige. Bob was the consummate friend.

Bob, Dad, Papa will be missed by his wife, Jenell, his brother, Gordon and his wife Alice, his children: Bob, Karen and her husband Paul, Bill and his wife Sahar, his grandchildren: Jordan, Will, Helia and Stone and the many relatives and friends who shared his life. The sunlight was just a little bit brighter when you were with him. He will be sorely missed.

Papa Bob is now off to bigger, and better adventures.

"It is not down in any map, true places never are."

Moby Dick

Services for Dr. Askew will be held at 11 am, Saturday, July 12th, 2014 at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 West 15th Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Settlement Home for Children (settlementhome.org) and Hope House of Austin (hopehouseaustin.org)