Thomas “Tom” John Askew passed away on Friday, March 27th, 2026, at Menorah Medical Center following a surgical complication. Tom was born on September 7, 1967 at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD to John and Mary Jo Askew. The Askew family later moved to Pierre, South Dakota in 1973. Growing up in Pierre he played football, baseball, softball and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and adventures with friends. Tom graduated from T.F. Riggs High School where he met his wife Connie (Sibson) Askew. After high school, he attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Tom launched a successful career in chemical and distribution sales management, leading to his recent 15-year tenure with R3 Bunzl. His coworkers described him as a passionate and results-driven leader. His work eventually brought his family to Kansas City where he and Connie raised their two sons, Nick and Mason. They built a strong foundation of family and friends. Living in Kansas City, Tom became an avid Chiefs fan and continued to enjoy hunting and fishing. His greatest enjoyment was supporting his kids’ sporting events including trips across the country for gymnastics meets, coaching baseball, and being a 4H leader. Being an extrovert, he enjoyed entertaining and cooking for family and friends. He developed a green thumb, maintaining his perfect lawn and growing his vegetable garden. Everyone looked forward to Tom’s salsa that he made from scratch every year with produce from his garden. Tom was an amazing and loving husband, father, son, and brother. He was everyone’s best friend—often described as “larger than life”. Every person who was lucky enough to know Tom has a memorable story to share and laugh about. Keep these memories close and he will stay in your heart forever.

Tom is survived by his wife, Connie; two sons, Nick and Mason; his mother, Mary Jo; his sister, Lynda (husband Scott); stepsiblings, Chris (husband Rick) and Troy; and countless extended family members. Tom was preceded in death by his father, John, and stepmother, Dawn.

To celebrate Tom’s life a Memorial Service will be held in Pierre, South Dakota and a Celebration of Life will be held in Kansas City, Kansas. In lieu of flowers or other care packages, please consider donating blood, plasma, or platelets to your local donation center in Tom’s honor.

Service and Mass (Pierre, SD)

Location: Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church 210 E Broadway Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 When: Friday, June 19 th , at 10:00 am

Reception: 1121 North Poplar Ave Pierre, SD 57501

When: 12:00 pm-2:00 pm

Celebration of Life (De Soto, KS)

Location: The Barn at Kill Creek 9200 Kill Creek Rd, De Soto, KS 66018

When: Tuesday, June 23 rd 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm