Friday, August 11, 2023
It is with great sorrow that I write this post. My dad Danny Desper was one of a kind. He loved being outdoors and working with his hands. He worked for many years from working at Timber Truss homes, The Rescue mission, Jim Walter Homes and finally City of Salem Parks And Recreation where he was a field maintenance supervisor at The Moyer complex. He loved this last job and retired from here in 2004. When he wasn't working his day job, he was umpiring at night and on weekends. He would maintenance the fields every weekend in the wee hours of the morning for each tournament and then umpiring a whole slate of games each day. His other great passion was preaching the word of God. He would preach and sing at the Rescue Mission in Roanoke, the Roanoke County jail in Salem and the regional jail near Dixie Caverns in Salem. In his earlier days he played sports from fast pitch and slow pitch softball to basketball and golf. He loved playing golf and continued this until just a few years ago when his health started to wane. One thing my dad loved was his family. He would always offer any help required from financial to help moving or a simple talk. He was always there for us. He really enjoyed his grand kids and great grand kids who they called Dedaddy. He would recall stories about what they did and just laugh at the story again and again. His humor was contagious and you would laugh to if you heard his good Ole belly laugh. His strength was legendary at the city of Salem with tales I would not believe if I had not witnessed it. Such as, throwing a 700 lb sod cutter into the back of a pickup by himself! He never met a stranger and was willing to help anyone in need even if it meant giving up something for himself. We joked Dad new everyone in Salem and I think he did from one of his many passions. You have been through a lot this past year Dad. I am greatly saddened that I will not get to hear your voice but I know I have your kindness and humor in me. I thank you for being my dad and even though you couldn't give me everything I ever wanted you gave my 49 years of the best dad. I will never forget you and I will take care of momma just like you asked. I will instill in my kids the same values you taught me and I will miss you terrible. Enjoy your heavenly home and it is not goodbye but until we meet again. I love you Dad.
