Glenn R. Desper

Glenn Richard Desper, 90, widower of Emma Jean Hemp Desper, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah House in Fishersville surrounded by family.

He was born October 18, 1934 in Staunton, a son of the late George Richard and Florence Alberta Blackwell Desper.

Glenn was an extremely proud and dedicated father, grandfather, and recent great-grandfather. He was a 1952 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School where he lettered in football. He enjoyed keeping in touch with his classmates and attending class reunions through the years. He found great joy in reciting a poem in Old English that he learned in Mrs. Whitelaw’s class more than seventy-five years ago, and could recite it in its entirety up until several months before he passed. 

He retired from American Safety Razor Company in Verona and took great pride in his career there. 

He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Staunton. 

Glenn was very outgoing and never met a stranger. He enjoyed frequent visits to the barber shop to socialize, as well as maintaining his lawn and vehicles. Among his other hobbies, his favorite was trout fishing and he gladly shared that experience with his grandchildren. He enjoyed “taking it easy”, reading books, and watching documentaries about history, with a particular interest in World War II. He was also an avid Washington Redskins fan and could often be found watching a sports game in his free time. He enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and excitedly called out the answers to the questions or puzzles. 

Glenn will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and his love and devotion to his family.

He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Marie Desper Good of Waynesboro, his son, Richard Scott Desper of Staunton; four grandchildren, Laura Ashley Good Coffey and her husband, Matthew, of Churchville, Bradley Tyler Good of Staunton, Ryan Scott Desper of Stuarts Draft, and Taylor Brooke Desper of Staunton; two great-grandchildren, Adam Scott Desper and Landon Jacob Coffey; and a sister, Bonnie Maxine Desper Baker of Stuarts Draft.

A private service will be conducted Sunday at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton with Pastor Bobby Campbell officiating.

Interment will be at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.

Glenn's family would like to thank the staff at English Meadows Fishersville and Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah who cared for Glenn during his final days.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah House (c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939) or to the Health Equipment Loan Program (3925 Churchville Avenue, Churchville, VA 24421).