PLYMOUTH – Raymond M. Askins Jr., 88, Woodbury Drive, Plymouth, passed away with his family near at 5:05 a.m. Oct. 30, 2015, in the Elkhart Hospice House. He was born July 13, 1927, in Chicago, Ill., to Raymond Sr. and Lena B. Schaetzle Askins. On Jan. 2, 1949, in Atwood, he would take as his loving wife, June A. Wiesjohn, who survives in Plymouth. They were married 66 wonderful years, and to this union they had four children. His family would move to Bourbon in 1937, where he would graduate from Bourbon High School with the class of 1945. He served in the U.S. Navy for our country during World War II, and was honorably discharged in September 1946. He then furthered his education, attending the International College, graduating in 1948. Living in Bourbon most of his life, he enjoyed contributing his skills and time to the town. He was owner and president of L&R Products, a truss manufacturing company, he prided himself upon and ran until his retirement. He was a former member of the Bourbon United Church of Christ. He served as Bourbon clerk-treasurer and he was formerly on the board of the Bourbon Boy Scouts. He was a member of the Bourbon Business Association and a member of the Bourbon American Legion. Beginning in 1971, June and Ray lived on a farm in Bourbon, which he called his sanctuary. He would spend hours out in the woods, fishing, hunting and being at peace. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing and collecting coins. In 1991, they would move to Plymouth. They became members of the First United Church of Christ and he became a member of the Plymouth Elks Lodge. He was a man with a tough exterior, but inside was the most loving father and husband in the world. He showed his family in many ways his love and compassion, even when words were not expressed. He was always there to “fix it” and make things right. He treasured times with his family and memories made with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his four children: Robin L. (and spouse Diana) Askins, Warsaw; Cynthia A. (and spouse Steve) Keller, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Kent R. (and spouse Ginger), Tucson, Ariz.; and Dawn E. (and spouse Don) Crowder, Chesterton; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and his two sisters, Betty VerWey, Florida, and Jean Miller, Bourbon. He was preceded in death by his parents and a great-grandchild. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, Plymouth, with Isaac Bules officiating. Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery with military honors provided by members of the Bourbon American Legion Post 424. Calling is from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. ***** Memorials to the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County 3489 E 100 S, Warsaw, IN 46580. Condolences via www.johnson-danielson.com
