Former Florida Governor Reubin O’Donovan Askew will lie in state, attended by military and state law enforcement honor guards, in Florida’s Historic Capitol throughout the day on Tuesday, March 18. He will then be remembered at a memorial service the following day. Governor Askew will be buried with full military honors on Friday, March 21, in Pensacola, the community he represented in the Florida Legislature before becoming the state’s 37th chief executive.
Governor Rick Scott, the Florida Cabinet, several former governors and numerous other dignitaries are expected to take part in activities to honor and celebrate the life of a man who set the gold standard for a Golden Age of Florida Politics. Governor Askew was widely recognized as one of Florida’s and the nation’s greatest governors.
Governor Askew is survived by his wife of 57 years, former First Lady Donna Lou Askew; children Kevin Askew (and wife Christine) and Angela White; and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Governor Scott has ordered that U.S. and Florida flags be flown at half-staff on all state facilities until the evening of Governor Askew’s burial next Friday.
On Tuesday, March 18, Governor Askew’s body will lie in state in the Historic Capitol, the building in which he spent all of his legislative service and most of his gubernatorial administration. Top officials from all three branches of Florida state government – including Governor Scott, members of the Florida Cabinet, Chief Justice Ricky Polston, President Don Gaetz and Speaker Will Weatherford – will lead the public in honoring
Governor Askew as he arrives at 10:00 a.m., accompanied by a military honor guard. Soon after honor guards from the military and state law enforcement are established, members of the public are invited to view Governor Askew’s flag-draped casket until 6:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, March 19, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee (2200 North Meridian Road, at the corner of John Knox and Meridian Roads). Eulogists will be announced at a later time.
On Thursday, March 20, Governor Askew will lie in repose at his former home church, First Presbyterian Church Pensacola at 33 East Gregory Street. The public is invited to pay respects to the late Governor’s memory from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Central time. Governor Askew will be accompanied by an honor guard and escort provided by Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan.
On Friday, March 21, Governor Askew will be laid to rest, with full military honors, at Bayview Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Highway (US 90 East) in Pensacola. The graveside service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Central time and will be open to the public.
Governor Askew’s family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of three recipients: the Children’s Home Society of Florida; Lafayette Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee; or the charity of the donor’s
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