Clintwood, VA- Donald Hopson Askins, age 80, passed away Monday, March 30, 2015 at his home. Born in Chilton County, Alabama, on February 17, 1935, he was a son of the late Durwood Hopson and Mary Delene (Davenport) Askins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ardith Ann (Askins) Siltanen.
Mr. Askins was a U.S. Army Veteran who was stationed in Tokyo, Japan and served as a language specialist during the Korean War. He completed graduate studies at UVA and his undergraduate education at Auburn University where he later returned to teach English before moving on to professorial positions at Appalachian State University and Clinch Valley College. An avid environmentalist, Mr. Askins became active in Congressional lobbying efforts and developed an interest in the law. After reading law and passing the Virginia Bar exam, he established a private law practice in Clintwood in 1983. He also served on the Dickenson County School Board and as County Attorney. In 1991, he was elected Commonwealth’s Attorney, a position he held for two terms. He retired in 2000, but remained professionally active, serving as a substitute Judge throughout Southwest Virginia. As a veteran, a teacher, a mentor, and a public servant, his life touched so many, and he will be missed immeasurably.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria Jewell Askins, their son Seth (Megan) Askins in San Diego, CA, and daughter Crissa (Ari) Kounavis in Latham, NY, and four grandchildren (Tyler and Cole Askins, and Hopson and Greta Kounavis); as well as his first family, former wife Frankie Smith, their sons Donald Richard (Karla) Askins and Hugh Patrick Askins, six grandchildren (Aaron Beasley, Allison Williamson, and Amanda, Taylor, Angelica, and Abigail Askins), and one great-grandchild (Ella Rose Williamson).
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2015 at Clintwood United Methodist Church with Dan Theiben and Ronnie Mutter officiating. Burial will follow in Phipps Memorial Cemetery in Clintwood, VA. Pallbearers will be Seth, Ari, Don, Hugh, Kyle Wallace and Greg Edwards. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Lurton Lyle, Martin Slone, Curt Deel, Jim Shiner, and Jerry Gray. The family will receive friends on Thursday at the church from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Clintwood United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Clintwood, VA 24228. The family would like to specially thank the SWVA Cancer Center staff, Dickenson Home Health & Hospice staff, Dr. Ibrahim, Cindy Blankenship, and Dr. Lyle. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and online condolences may be sent to www.haysifuneral.com.

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