Willie Earl Glasper

Willie Earl Glasper, a beloved veteran, dedicated public servant, and the steadfast patriarch of his family, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loving family at his home in Olathe, Kansas, on September 24, 2025. He was 78.

Born on April 22, 1947, in Lucama, North Carolina, Earl was the sixth of ten children to the late Robert Lee Glasper (Georgia) and Vernell Richardson-Glasper (North Carolina).

Earl’s legacy is defined by his deep commitment to his family, his country, and his faith. He was a dedicated member of the community, he acknowledged God’s saving grace during his illness. He was baptized at and attended the First Baptist Church of Lucama, NC in his youth.

A proud veteran, he served as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Specialist in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970, which included a tour in Vietnam. After his military service, he pursued his passion for law enforcement and education. He was a graduate of Springfield High School in Lucama, NC, and furthered his studies at Wilson County Technical Institute (A.A.S. in Law Enforcement, 1972) and Wesleyan College (B.S. in Law Enforcement, 1974).

Earl dedicated his career to protecting and serving the community. His job journey included:

Deputy Sheriff, Wilson County Sheriff’s Department (Wilson, NC)

Deputy Sheriff, Clay County Sheriff’s Department (Liberty, MO)

Police Officer, Olathe Police Department (Olathe, KS)

Security, Truman Medical Center (Kansas City, MO)

Corrections Officer (Retired), Johnson County Department of Corrections (New Century, KS)

Above all, Earl cherished his family. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 52 years, Jannifer Whitted-Glasper, whom he married on January 27, 1973.

He is survived by his four children: two daughters, Tamara Antonirette Glasper-Adell (Olathe, KS) and Netonia Yolanda Glasper (Lynnwood, WA); and two sons, DeMorris Earl Glasper and Jamal DeRon Glasper (both of Kansas City, MO).

Earl was the loving grandfather to four grandchildren: grandsons Adrian Charles Adell and Deven Allen Adell, and granddaughters Moana Ann Glasper and Danielle Janae Adell.

He is survived by four sisters: Viline Glasper-Jenkins, Shirley Glasper-Smith, Linda Glasper-King, and Amy Barbee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters: Pauline Glasper-Canty, Rosa Mae Glasper-Horton, Reatha Mae “Bang” Glasper, Danny Glasper, Carolyn Glasper, and Jerry Glasper.

A true family patriarch, Earl enjoyed working in his garden, fixing cars, cooking, and home remodeling. He loved building, celebrating the holidays, and traveling on many road trips. His commitment to ancestry and family history was a cornerstone of his life.

Willie Earl Glasper leaves a host of surviving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and extended family members who will forever cherish his memory.