Robert D Askins Jr

Robert D. Askins passed away at 92. He was born on November 10, 1930 in Sentinel, Oklahoma. His family escaped the dust bowl when he was six months old. Parents, Robert and Essie, followed the fruit harvest all over California, having three other children, Viola, Lloyd & Peggy before settling in the Lemon Cove area. Robert then went to Exeter High School, where he was called Red Askins. He was a talented football player and loved playing linebacker for the Panthers. Bob joined the Navy in 1951 and was discharged in 1954. He played football for his base in San Diego. Every time he was going to be shipped off, his coach had his orders changed. He regretted not getting to travel. He married and had a son, Robert Eugene (La Grande Ore). He divorced and remarried. He had twin daughters, Stephanie Hicks and Janina Wilkins (both of Fresno). He worked at Sprague Electric in Visalia, then went to Fresno State to achieve a teaching credential. He taught math and woodshop at Cherry Ave. Jr. High School. The teachers he worked with became lifelong friends. He taught in Tulare from 1970 to 1995. He was one of the original dads that started the Dads & Kids Annual Camp Out, now in its 47th year. Bob then married Judy (Fidler) 1981. They started Cozy Cat Crafts in Visalia and then in Hanford. He transferred to Mulcahy Jr. High School teaching wood shop. A cancer scare put him into retirement, then boredom sent him to Corcoran Prison, teaching GED to prisoners. A back injury forced him into retirement again. A boat lover since his Navy days, he restored boats with his friends, going on adventures on the coast. When the last boat sunk, he tried a fifth wheel camper, then an RV and a travel trailer. Always drawn to the coast dragging his beloved dogs and Judy with him. He would go to Pismo Coast Village with his EV rider in the back. He would take the dogs for a walk, but they would end up on the rider with him. Everybody was happy. Robert will always be loved and remembered for his kind heart and wonderful sense of humor. Robert is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judy, son Robert Askins, grandsons Tyrone and Robert, daughter Stephanie Hicks, her husband Chris, granddaughter Shelby and grandson Cody, daughter Janina Wilkins, grandson Justin and granddaughter Emily, as well as 5 great grand kids and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. There will be a graveside service on March 8, at 11 am held at Tulare Public Cemetery, 900 E. Kern Ave., Tulare, CA. Followed by a Celebration of Life at Claude Meitzenheimer Community Center, 830 S. Blackstone St., Tulare, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dads & Kids James Meese Scholarship Campout. Please make checks to: James Meese Scholarship Fund. Mail to Mitzie Ruiz, 2168 E. Aberdeen Way, Fresno, CA 93730