Ernest Askins

Ernest W. Askins, age 96, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

Born June 13, 1920 in Blairsville, PA, he was the son of the late John Franklin and Mary L. Mitchell Askins.

He was the maintenance supervisor at the C. Kessler Estate, and also the Erie Housing Authority from where he retired. Ernest was also a self-employed locksmith.

Most of all he loved his family, and also his pets.

Ernest served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #771.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Sarah Snyder Askins, in 1998, whom he married June 28, 1940 and a son John “Sonny” Askins, on April 2, 2005.

Survivors include six sons: James (Liz) Askins of Erie, George (Debbie) Askins of Erie, Ernest (Gloria) Askins of San Antonio, TX, William (Jacque) Askins of Seminole, FL, Gary (Marcy) Askins of Erie, and Thomas Askins of San Francisco, CA; six daughters: Mary Lou (Jerry) Capozziello of Erie, Patricia (Bill) Cunningham of Erie, Joan M. (Stan) Hyzer of Erie, Janet L. (Ken) Cancilla of Lebanon, TN, Debra K. (Dan) Kinem of Erie, Lisa J. (Jim) Myers of Erie and daughter-in-law Donna Askins, also of Erie. Ernest is further survived by 46 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and are invited to services there on Saturday, December 10th at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow at Erie County Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Great Lakes Hospice, 1700 Peach St., Suite 244, Erie, PA 16501.