Paul Joseph Askew, 72, of Roanoke Rapids, died Tuesday, March 23, 2010.

Paul was a native of Bertie County, the son of the late Paul Franklin Askew and Clyde Fowler Askew. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Martha Thompson Askew and four brothers, Charles Askew, William Earl Askew, Danny Askew and Thomas Askew.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice ''Peggy'' Askew; his son, Doug Askew and his wife, Katherine, of Roanoke Rapids; four grandchildren, Heather Askew, Kelli Long, Zakary Askew and Zoe Askew, all of Roanoke Rapids; two sisters, Betty Rowland and her husband, Robert, of Darlington community, and Margaret Purkett of Belleville, NJ; two brothers, Walter Askew and his wife, Shirley, of Darlington community and James Askew and his wife, Viola, of Ahoskie; and several nieces and nephews.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 24, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Graveside funeral services will be held Thursday, March 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Crestview Memorial Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Michael Jones officiating.