Dateline: Windsor

Joseph Harlin "Har" Askew, 84, of Windsor, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on April 14, 2025, at the home of his daughter, surrounded by the love and care of his family.

Born on July 10, 1940, in Bertie County, Harlin was the beloved son of Joe and Pearlina Askew of Windsor. His children and grandchildren knew him affectionally as "Har", a name spoken with warmth and affection by those who loved him most.

Harlin lived a whole and hardworking life, wearing many hats. He was a skilled welder, a dedicated Perdue chicken farmer, and most fondly, a man of the log woods- cutting trees and embracing the outdoors with grit and passion. But beyond his work, he was a man of deep faith and service. He served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon and faithfully ministered for over 20 years to residents of local rest homes, where he shared songs, scripture, and the love of Christ. His heart's desire was for everyone to know the Lord.

He faithfully read his Bible and Our Daily Bread devotionals daily until his health declined. Sundays brought him joy in worship at Immanuel Baptist Church and a sweet treat- a hot fudge sundae from Dairy Queen, his favorite indulgence. Chocolate anything made him smile. Harlin was a devoted husband to the late Judy Mizelle Askew, his beloved wife of 56 years. He was predeceased in death by her, his baby sister Josephine, his brother Signal Askew, and his loyal little dog , Gizmo.

His most incredible legacy may be the love he poured into his family, especially his grandson Jarrett, whom he helped raise with unwavering devotion and love, filling the roll of both grandfather and father figure.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Alisa Perry (Scott) of Hertford and Renee Hoggard of Windsor; sisters Ruth Whitaker, Linda Askew, Merilyn Evans ( Donnie), and Velma Hughes; brother Herbert Askew ( Peggy); brother-in-law Jim Mizelle (Peggy); grandchildren Joseph Hoggard, Joshua Hoggard (Texas), Jackson Perry (Bailey) of Hertford, and Jarrett Hoggard of Windsor; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Ross Baptist Church with Pastor Josh Morris officiating and special music provided by Richard Simmons.  Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Jackson Perry, Jarrett Hoggard, Jessie Mizelle, Dean Mizelle, Steve Askew, and Brent Askew will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Walker Funeral Home, Windsor and other times at the home on Pine Ridge Road.

In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to Our Daily Bread Ministries, PO Box 222, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

Harlin's life was a testimony of hard work, steady faith, and unconditional love- a life well lived and a legacy that will endure in the hearts of those who knew him.

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net

Walker Funeral Home of Windsor is serving the Askew family.