Douglas Drew Askew

Douglas Drew Askew, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 70, at his cherished property in Ahsahka. Doug was a man who never met a stranger, and the world is a quieter place without his smile, his wave and his endless supply of stories.

Doug was born on July 1, 1955, in Texas, to Travis and Barbara Askew. His early childhood was shaped by the rhythms of the oil fields, where his father worked and the family followed. They moved frequently before finally putting down roots in Alice, Texas, where Doug would spend his formative years. In Alice, Doug found his stride — both literally and figuratively. He excelled in track and football at Alice High School, graduating in 1973. His athletic achievements were a source of pride he carried with him for the rest of his life, and his eyes would light up retelling those stories, especially once his three grandsons were old enough to take the field themselves. After high school, Doug briefly attended Victoria College before deciding that a different kind of education — the kind found in hard work and lived experience — was the path for him.

Doug’s love of sports was matched only by his love of music. He could tell you exactly what grade he was in when any song on the radio came out, and he took great delight in doing so. He treasured memories of seeing Elton John in concert in 1973 and the legendary time ZZ Top played at his junior high school dance — stories that never got old, no matter how many times they were told. He was a passionate and loyal Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys fan through and through. The outdoors was Doug’s sanctuary. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer, and few things brought him more joy than loading up the family and heading out on his boat for a day on the river or at Dworshak Reservoir.

Doug had worked in the oil fields since his teenage years, learning the trade alongside his father as a roughneck. This profession took him to Victoria, Texas, where his father owned an oil drilling company called Enterprise Drilling. Doug served as vice president of Enterprise Drilling. When the oil industry suffered a crisis, he made his way to Lewiston, in 1988 — a move that would define the rest of his life. He soon joined Clearwater Paper, where he worked with dedication until his retirement in 2018. On Oct. 30, 1993, Doug married Jean Johnson in Clarkston. Together, they built a life and a family, raising Doug’s two daughters, Christina and Ashley. After retirement, Doug and Jean fulfilled a dream by purchasing property in Ahsahka — his happy place. There, he could camp, fish, hunt and simply be at peace. Jean would join him whenever her work allowed, and those were days he treasured deeply.

Above all else, Doug absolutely treasured his family and friends. They were the center of his world and the source of his greatest joy. Summer holidays were always a special time for Doug because it was an opportunity to gather friends and family for one of his famous Texas briskets. He was the kind of man who could never say no to someone who needed a helping hand — whether it was a neighbor, a friend or a stranger who had simply crossed his path at the right moment. His generosity of spirit was as natural to him as breathing, and those fortunate enough to know him never had to wonder whether Doug would show up for them. He always did.

Doug was predeceased by his parents, Travis Askew and Barbara Mitchell, and his brother Travis Duane Askew. He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Jean Askew; his daughters, Christina Peterson and Ashley Cameron; his grandsons, Hilary, Abel and Finn; his siblings, Richard Askew, Travis Michael Askew, Sheila Denise Kilgore (Daniel), Travis Hurst Askew Jr. (Lezlie), Pam Askew and Lisa Alvis; and several nieces and nephews. Yes, you read that correctly — Doug had three brothers named Travis. It’s a long story, and one he would have loved to tell you himself.

Among the many people Doug held dear, his friendships were a cornerstone of who he was. He counted several lifelong friends as family in every sense of the word. Special among them were Brian Nicol, whom Doug loved as a brother, and Jace Peterson, whom he loved like a son. And of course, no farewell would be complete without acknowledging Doug and Jean’s devoted dog Ziggy, who still watches the front door — faithful and hopeful — waiting for his beloved companion to come home.

Doug’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the many friends and loved ones who have reached out during this very difficult time. The outpouring of love is a true testament to a man who always had a smile and a wave, and who never met a person he didn’t want to call friend. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. At Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home 1711 18th Street, Lewiston, Idaho 83501