Dr. Hubert Carl Askew Jr.

DR. HUBERT CARL ASKEW, JR., 83, passed away peacefully in Houston on August 12, 2023, surrounded by family. A fourth-generation Texan, Hubert was born September 30, 1939, in Houston, Texas. Hubert grew up working at the Askew Pharmacy chain, started by his father, and graduated from Lamar High School in 1957. After graduation, he enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin, becoming a lifelong Longhorn fan and a proud brother of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, serving as president in 1961. After obtaining his Pharmacy degree, Hubert enrolled in the University of Texas Dental Branch. Hubert met his lifelong soulmate Becky (Rebecca) Askew, in September 1961. The two quickly fell in love and were married on June 15, 1963, in Highland Park, Texas. Hubert graduated from dental school in 1966 and joined the United States Army as a Captain. Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, during the Vietnam War, he proudly served in the 48th Medical Battalion, 2nd Armored Division, and was honorably discharged as a Major in 1975. Hubert and Becky moved back to Houston, where he opened his dental practice in Spring Branch as part of the new Memorial City Hospital. Beloved by his patients and passionate about his work, Hubert enjoyed a successful career for more than 40 years. A proud member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, he was a rancher in Fayette County who enjoyed tending to his cattle and chatting with friends at the local feed stores on his weekly trips to the ranch. As a lifelong outdoorsman, Hubert often fished Galveston Bay and hunted in South Texas, Mexico, and Argentina, where he collected numerous stories and memories with friends. He enjoyed gardening and was always proud to share the best tomatoes and vegetables with the family. If he wasn't ranching, hunting, fishing, or gardening, you could find Hubert at his pool, sitting on the patio with a Cuba Libre, or enjoying Galveston Island with his family each summer. And each fall when football rolled around, Hubert would always make time to watch his 'Horns play. He was also an avid cheerleader, along with Becky, for his grandchildren's sports games and extracurricular activities. It was rare for Papa and Nana, as their grandchildren refer to them, to miss a game, performance, or event in which the grandkids participated. Hubert loved to meet people and could strike up a conversation with a total stranger with an easy-going "How y'all doin'?" in his signature Texas drawl, accompanied by a friendly smile and stout handshake. He showed genuine interest in everyone who crossed his path, whether they had just met or he had known them for years. Hubert lit up any room with entertaining stories, cheerful laughs, and his Texas-sized heart. Hubert, also known as Dad, Papa, or Doc, is well-loved and will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert C. Askew, Sr. and Mary (Philp) Askew, and his sister Mary Eugenia Askew. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Ann (Beckering) Askew, who celebrated 60 years of marriage this past June. Other survivors include his daughter Nancy Ann Witmer, and husband Rich J. Witmer; daughter Susan Elizabeth Sanders, and husband Mark A. Sanders; grandchildren Meghan E. Witmer, Rachel A. Witmer, Jack M. Witmer, Taylor E. Sanders, Marshall A. Sanders; and sister-in-law, Sarah J. Beckering, all of Houston. On Friday, August 25, 2023, Hubert Carl Askew, Jr. will be laid to rest in a private family service at Houston National Cemetery. Hubert's family cordially invites his friends to join them, celebrate his life, and share fond memories with a visitation held from 3:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Drive in Houston. Honorary pallbearers will be: Austin Davis, James Mares, Brian Sanders, Mark A. Sanders, Marshall A. Sanders, Ron Van Gilder, Jack M. Witmer, and Rich J. Witmer. On Saturday, August 26, 2023, a memorial service will be held at the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, at 2:00 P.M. The family would like to thank the devoted doctors, nurses, and caregivers along this journey. In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider a donation to the Spring Branch Education Foundation for the Westside Support Center AABLE Program, 955 Campbell Rd., Suite 206, Houston, TX 77024. You can also donate online at https://sbef.springbranchisd.com by clicking “Ways to Donate” and proceed to the “SBISD Programs” tab, then scroll down the page, and click the donate button for Westside Support Center AABLE Program in Memory of Dr. Hubert C. Askew, Jr.

Dr. Hubert Carl Askew Jr.

September 30, 1939 - August 12, 2023