Meryl Franklin Desper

Meryl Franklin Desper, 86, of Stuarts Draft, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Augusta County on October 3, 1930, a son of the late William Franklin and Bertie (Harris) Desper.

Meryl worked for many years at Crompton and retired as a Weaver at Wayne Tech. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a lifetime member of White Hill Church of the Brethren. Mr. Desper greatly enjoyed wood working and spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Meryl was preceded in death by his son, Dale “Scott” Callison; daughter -in-law, Jane Callison; and siblings, Frances Ward, Cecil Desper, May Rivecomb, Elvie Miller, Pauline Hupman, Clarence “Bunker” Desper, Hansford “Doc” Desper and William “Paul” Desper.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Carleen Clara (Benson) Desper; children, Raymond “Trooper” Callison and wife, Cathy, Clyde Callison and wife, Lori all of Staunton, Shelia Green and husband, Mike, Eric Callison and special friend, Donna Underwood, Shawnee Kennedy and husband, George, Carolyn Sheets and husband, David, all of Stuarts Draft; grandchildren and their spouses, Autumn, Matt, Kevin, Catherine, Chad, Sara, Travis, Morgan, Tucker, Logan, Megan, Adam, Michael, Mandi, Mickey, Roger, Jennifer, Lindsey, Ashleigh, Brian, Natalie, Clint, Kristina, Brandi, Richard, Jessica, Shawn, Tyler, Jessi, Luke, Ethan and Katie; 15 great grandchildren; sister, Glenna Coffey and husband, Kelly “Junior” of Waynesboro, sister-in-law, Dolly Desper of Stuarts Draft; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 at the White Hill Church of the Brethren, 749 Old White Hill Rd., Stuarts Draft, with Pastors Jim and David Chappell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, and other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Meryl’s memory to the White Hill Church of the Brethren Building Fund, 749 Old White Hill Road, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Dennis Hatter, Lisa Reynolds, Nurses and staff with hospice, Bob Baldwin, Sandi Cleveland, Nena Farris, Monique McEnirey, Kathy Anderson, social workers, and everyone who was involved in the care of Meryl and his family.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com