ASKREN

HOLTON- Robert Franklin "Bob" Askren, 75, of Holton, KS passed away Monday, February 2, 2009 in Holton. He was born April 12, 1933 in Holton, the son of Leonard and Elsie Moore Askren. He graduated from Holton High School in 1951 and attended Machinist Mate School at the U.S. Navy Training Center. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Bexar, spending time in Japan, China, Philippines, Hawaii and Alaska.
Bob worked for Goodyear Tire, Sunbeam Bread Co. and farmed three years before going to work for Santa Fe Railroad where he spent 31 years. He retired in 1990 as the Wheel Shop General Equipment Supervisor. He was a member of the Larkinburg Christian Church and later, the First Christian Church in Holton where he served as a deacon and youth leader. Bob was also a life member of Mary L. Bair Post #44 of the American Legion and V.F.W. Post #1367 both in Holton. He served as Chaplain of the legion for several years. He belonged to the Moose Lodge #555 in Topeka, Eagles Aerie #3714 in Holton and the Holton Country Club.
He was married to Helen Bradley on January 1, 1954 in Holton. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his sons, Steven W. Askren (Sheila) of Holton, KS and Bruce D. Askren (Barbara) of Carbondale, KS; his daughter, Kathryn L. Bradley-Askren (Pat) of Albuquerque, NM; his sisters, Betty Flynn of Holton, KS and Virginia Bowser of Larkinburg, KS; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2009 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Interment with military honors will be at the Holton Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Midland Hospice, Alzheimer's Assoc., American Cancer Society or The Pines of Holton c/o Mercer Funeral Home, Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.