Casper Alexander Yasper was born in Christiansted, St. Croix, to Richard Yasper and Dorothy Flaherty on Sept. 23, 1928. He died on Feb. 29, 2016. He was raised by his grandmother, Margaret Sweeney. Casper received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Food Administration from Tuskegee Institute and a Master’s Degree from Cornell University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge.
Most of his employment was in food services. Casper supervised the food service for several hospitals including Harlem Hospital, where he served as the assistant food director until his retirement in 2000. It was through the food services industry that he met his beloved wife, Mary Melton. Casper and Mary were united in holy matrimony on Aug. 16, 1988. They joined the New Covenant Holiness Church that same year as candidates for baptism. Casper served on the Senior Usher Board faithfully until his health prevented him from performing his duties.
He used his considerable knowledge of government and community to accomplish many things that proved beneficial to many people. Among these are the several funded proposals written by Casper that provided employment to many youths in the communities he served.
Casper received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior and lived his life accordingly until the end. Those who were present saw our brother use his last breaths praising God and giving him glory. What a wonderful work the Lord has done.
He is predeceased by his brother, Gilbert Maynard; and sister, Leona Maynard.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 28 years, Mary; daughter, Michelle Yasper Horne of Charlottesville, N.C.; stepson and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and LaKayla Melton of Columbia, N.C.; five grandchildren: Jasmine Yasper, Jermeil P. Horne, Kenneth Melton Jr., Sha’la Melton and Vaniah Melton; a host of cousins, extended family, church family and dear friends.
A wake was held from 9-11 a.m. followed by a Home Going Service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, at New Covenant Holiness Church, 512 West 157th Street, New York, N.Y. 10032 (phone: 212-283-8735). Final interment was at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Boulevard.
Pastor Barry Lee Sr. officiated; Elder Lamar Williams was the eulogist.
