Alvin Lee Askew
Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Alvin Lee Askew, a cherished husband, father, brother, friend, and longtime resident of Los Angeles, California. Surrounded by love, Alvin transitioned on the morning of May 16, 2025.

Born in Suffolk, Virginia, to Ruth and George J. Askew, Alvin's family moved to Nyack, New York. It was in Nyack that Alvin's vibrant spirit and athletic prowess began to shine. He distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete and proudly became the first Black quarterback at Nyack High School, from which he graduated in 1964 as a celebrated school hero.

Following his father’s footsteps, Alvin answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army. During his distinguished military career, he was stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he also pursued studies at the University of New Mexico. It was here, while attending UNM, that Alvin, also known as "Kew," met and married Ladozia Minter, and from this union, his only daughter, Stanis, was born. In Albuquerque, Alvin also dedicated his skills to public service as a licensed vocational nurse and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); his notable New York driving abilities proved invaluable behind the wheel of an ambulance. He also worked for the Albuquerque Detention Center. Master Sergeant Alvin Lee Askew honorably retired from the Army after 26 years and 11 months of dedicated service.

In 1983, Alvin relocated to California, bringing his dedication, skills, and passion for health and safety to a new community. Leveraging his education and numerous certifications in health and safety, he embarked on a multifaceted civilian career. He served as a Safety Officer for a refinery, undertook private nursing assignments for notable individuals, and founded Prepare Emergency Training Services. Alvin taught invaluable CPR, First Aid, and Disaster Preparedness skills through his company, empowering countless individuals. Through a recommendation from a Red Cross nurse, Alvin would meet Lawren Miller, who was looking for a reputable CPR and First Aid trainer. Lawren in 1989 would become his wife and brought her two sons from a prior marriage to complete their blended family.

Alvin was deeply committed to serving the Los Angeles community through his professional endeavors in health services and his active involvement at Holman United Methodist Church (HUMC). At Holman, he faithfully served on the Board of Trustees, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), and the Transportation Ministry. Alvin completed four years of discipleship bible study with his group at Holman. He also taught CPR and first aid to ushers and the wider community from the HUMC Education Building and at other local churches.

Alvin was a true travel enthusiast who often journeyed back to New York by car, motorcycle, train, or plane to visit family and friends. His adventures included two cross-country trips with fellow veterans for the "Ride for the Wall" motorcycle event in Washington, D.C. He was an avid sports lover, frequently enjoying a baseball, basketball, or football game, or spending a day on the golf course. His appreciation for music, especially jazz, and hosting gatherings around the grill in his fabulous backyard were among his other great passions.

Alvin's legacy of love, service, spiritual discipline, and strength lives on through his wife, Lawren Miller Askew (CA); his daughter, Stanis Krystine Askew (CA); and sons, Rahim Lawrence Miller (wife, Neisha) (TX) and David Earl Miller II (CA). His siblings also survive him: sister, Barbara Hall-Coleman (CA); brother, George "Junior" Askew (VA) (wife, Pat); sister, Doris Chambers (NY); and brother, Larry Askew (CA). His nieces and nephews will fondly remember him, Lisa Fenton Bailey; (TN), Tamyka Shukar (NY); nephew, George Earl Porscha (wife, Robin) (VA); nephew, David Marcus Hall (wife, Kara) (CA); and nephew, Travis Hall (CA); as well as his grandchildren, Lailah Daniels, Lathan Miller, Zaire Miller, Zion Miller, Zayah Miller, and Kennieth Alexander III. Great nieces and nephews as well as great great. His cherished "brother friend," Danny Smith of Albuquerque, NM; “sister cousin,” Deborah Askew of Bronx, NY; and a host of cousins, relatives, classmates, and dear friends, will also mourn his passing.

The Askew family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the VA Greater Los Angeles, especially Dr. Alberta L. Warner, Director, Noninvasive Cardiology, VAGLA, and team for their exceptional care and support.  

Funeral services to celebrate Alvin Lee Askew's life will be held at Holman United Methodist Church, 3320 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, July 12, 2025 11:00 AM PST. Live stream video will be offered.

A repass will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association in Alvin’s name. For those who wish to send a gesture, a living plant can be mailed to the Askew family, in honor of Alvin’s green thumb and lifelong love of gardening. The address is as follows: 5153 11th Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90043.