John Lester "Poppie" Casper

John Lester “Poppie” Casper, 69, of Suffolk, VA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

A native of Chowan County, NC, John was the husband of 48 years to Cynthia Griggs “Cindy” Casper and the son of Robert Vernon Casper, Sr. and Clarine Winslow Casper, both deceased. John was a longtime farmer, farming alongside his father and siblings. He retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) with 32 years of service. John was an avid animal lover, especially his chickens and goats. He never met a stranger and everyone that he met became a friend for life. John’s grandchildren meant the world to him. He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy; daughter, Jennifer Grugan and husband, Chad; son, John Brandon Casper and wife, Nadine Faulkner; ten grandchildren; one great grandson; sister, Hilda Butler; brothers, Robert V. Casper, Jr. and Janet Cowan, and Joseph Gregory “Greg” Casper, Sr. and wife, Laura; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Florence Odom and brother, Carlton Ray Casper.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, Gatesville, NC.

A graveside service celebrating John’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Casper-Taylor Family Cemetery, Eure, NC.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com