Edwin Askins

Edwin Gray Askins, 98, passed away peacefully on Friday September 2, 2022, with family by his side.

Edwin was born to Rolla and Maude Askins, in the family farmhouse outside of Calhoun, MO On July 7, 1924.

Growing up on the farm, Edwin learned from a young age the value of hard work, carrying wood for the stove, feeding chickens and pumping water for the cows and horses. He started plowing fields on a one row cultivator behind a team of horses at the age of 7. He attended a one room schoolhouse through the 8th grade and graduated from Calhoun High school in 1941.

The first summer after High School Edwin worked on the Ice Route, delivering Block Ice to farmers and small country stores. After that he got a job laying soles at the shoe factory in Windsor, MO. All the time still farming on the family farm, and a 14 acre plot he leased.

Edwin was drafted into the service, March 3, 1944, and served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was in the 240 Medical battalion 507 Medical Collecting Company, stationed in England. When the war ended in 1945 Edwin was stationed in France, driving an Ambulance, and then in Germany as part of the Motor Pool. Serving in the Army was something he was very proud of, feeling it was his duty and obligation to the country.

After discharge from the Army, Edwin returned to work on the Farm, until he decided to go to Kansas City with one of his friends from Calhoun. His first job in KC was at Armco Steel, on the extra board. His second job was at the Ford Motor Plant, but after the war, parts where so short many shifts were canceled. Looking for more steady work, Edwin went to Auto Body School, and found a career and passion, working with his hands. He worked most of his career at Rudy Fick/Bill Woods Ford.

After moving to KC, through one of his Army buddies, Edwin met the love of his life, Aurelia Kruse, and they were married on March 30, 1947. They enjoyed and celebrated 72 years of marriage. From this marriage they had two children.

Edwin and Aurelia were early members of Englewood Baptist Church where Edwin taught Sunday school, served as a Deacon, and was Church Treasurer for many years. Edwin was also a proud member of 5606 VFW Lodge, Mount Washington Masonic Lodge, and the Ararat Shrine. He was a member of the Ararat Shrine Drum and Bugle Corp, serving many positions, and built many friendships going to parades and events.

Edwin’s passions were work, boating, cars, NASCAR, traveling with Aurelia, and Family. He found much joy in his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, watching them grow, and hearing about their activities. They were the first thing he always asked about.

Edwin’s last 20 years were challenged by his loss of sight, which presented him with many limitations, but his strength of character was the part of him that no disability could steal.

Edwin always said he had a hard life, but that he had also received many Blessings, and thanked God daily for each of them.

Edwin is preceded in death by his parents, and Aurelia, his wife of nearly 73 years. He will be fondly remembered, and forever loved by his children, Nedra Fjoser and Clint (Jennifer) Askins; grandchildren,

Allison (Justin) Hamilton, Brett (Tabitha) Fjoser, and Madison (Jonathan) Varca; and great grandchildren, Piper, Bennett, Violetta, and Vincent.

Services will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery on Saturday September 10, 2022, with visitation from 12:00 – 1:30 P.M., funeral service at 1:30 P.M. and burial immediately following. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital or Northcare Hospice.