Henry D. Askew, better known as “Bud” or “Bug,” 74, of Middletown, CT, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Born January 2, 1952, in Ahoskie, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Angeline Askew.
   

While attending high school, Henry drove buses for C.G. White and Bertie Senior High School. After graduating, he worked at the shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, where he decided to permanently reside in 1971.
   

In the early 1970s, he worked for a used car dealership before joining the Budweiser Corporation as a truck driver, where he remained employed until 1987. He then relocated to Connecticut, living briefly in Meriden before settling in Middletown. Once in Connecticut, he worked in construction until his retirement in 2014.
    

Henry was a unique and generous man—the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. He had a deep love for cars, racing, and his family. He also thoroughly enjoyed his fruit, his joyrides with his uncle Martin, and the love of his life, Mary.
    

In 2003, his world was beautifully completed when Mary joined him on life’s journey. Mary proved to be the perfect partner, standing faithfully by his side through every twist and turn with unwavering devotion and love.
       

Henry is survived by his life partner, Mary Mayo of Middletown, CT; three bonus children: Solomon Mayo (Victoria) of Middletown, CT, Jermaine Mayo (Lashonda) of Meriden, CT, and Bernadette Raynor (Eric) of Middletown, CT; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters: Alice Johnson, Lender Bond, and Darlene Askew, all of Middletown, CT; one brother, Tommie Askew of Portland, CT; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
     

He was predeceased by his mother, Angeline Askew; his sister, Maggie White; his brother-in-law, James White Sr.; and his nephew, Jarquis Johnson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 27th at 11:00am at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 346 Butternut Street, Middletown.  Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery.  Family and friends may call before the service at the church from 10:00 to 11:00am. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com