William Glasper

Tuesday, November 21, 2023
William Glasper

HAYWOOD CITY, Mo. — William Henry Glasper was born in Venice, Illinois, (Kerr Island) on July 12, 1940, to his loving parents Edward Glasper Sr. and Beatrice Glasper. He was the fifth of six children born to this union. William received his early religious teaching and training at Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church in Venice, Illinois (Kerr Island) and St. Luke A.M.E. Church in East St. Louis, Illinois.

The family moved from Venice, Illinois (Kerr Island), in 1952. William attended Dunbar Elementary School in Madison, Illinois, Clark Junior High and East St. Louis High School in East St. Louis, Illinois.

After high school, William enlisted in the United States Army. He served from July 16, 1959, to July 6, 1962. While stationed overseas in the military, William developed a love and passion for playing the bass fiddle and would often join up with family and friends for a musical impromptu “jam session.”

After his discharge from the military, William worked at McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri. He retired after 37 years of employment.

William met his true love and eventually married Mary Edna Moore on Oct. 31, 1964. To this union, two sons were born, Christopher Edwin Glasper and Bryon Keith Glasper.

In 2004 after their retirement, Mary and William returned to Mary’s hometown, the community of Haywood City to spend the final years of their lives together. During this time, William became a substitute teacher for the Scott County Central School District. He enjoyed this for several years. They were members and supporters of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Haywood City where William was a faithful member of the choir.

William Henry Glasper transitioned from this life to join the heavenly father on Nov. 12, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Glasper Sr. and Beatrice Glasper; his wife of 54 years, Mary Moore Glasper; his son, Christopher Edwin Glasper; his four brothers, Edward Glasper Jr., Charley Glasper, Frank Glasper and Earl Glasper; and his dear friend, Darrell Martin.

William is survived by his son, Bryon Glasper of Haywood City; one sister, Naomi Glenn; three sisters-in-law, Corine Moore, Evelyn Glasper and Opal Glasper; his loving nieces and nephews, Bryant, Marlon, Patrick, Victor, Carolyn, Jennie, Katherine, Gloria, Josie, Lavina, Lisa, and Arnita, his special and dear friends, Linda and James “Frog,” Ted Washington and Jim; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, from noon until the funeral hour of 1 p.m. at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Haywood City with Minister Robert Walls officiating.

Interment will take place on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri, with full military honors.

The Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.