1SG (Ret) Henry "Hank" Casperson, Jr.

1SG (Ret) Henry “Hank” Casperson, Jr., son of the late Henry Casperson, Sr. and Pauline (Mudek) Casperson, was born July 10, 1935 in Browerville, Minnesota and grew up in rural Todd County. He attended school in a one room schoolhouse where his aunt was the teacher. During his time in school, Hank ran track and was very fast. At the age 16, Hank enlisted in the United States Navy and served on a destroyer submarine on the Great Lakes. After the Navy realized his true age, they discharged him. Hank immediately walked around the corner and enlisted in the United States Army where he served faithfully for 28 years. He had attained the rank of First Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Overseas Service Bars (2), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Palm, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal-Korea. In his spare time while in the military, Hank was a phenomenal speed skater and his days of running track in school helped him with his skating. On December 26, 1984, Hank was united in marriage to Guadalupe “Lila” Hernandez in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 31 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. After his retirement from the military, Hank continued serving his country by working for eight years for EDP on Fort Leonard Wood. In his spare time, Hank played the accordion and he also loved to be outdoors while hunting and fishing. He was a life time member and also served as past Commander (1996 - 1997) of the Francis J. Lynch VFW Post 3168 in Laquey, Missouri. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. Hank was a member of the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church and attended whenever he was able. Hank passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2016 in Lebanon North Nursing and Rehab Center of Lebanon, Missouri having attained the age of 81 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Hank leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Lila Casperson of Laquey, MO; four children: Ricky Casperson (Belinda) of Buckhorn, MO, Carrie Ann Garcia (Michael) of Laquey, MO, Melody Pike of Dixon, MO and LT William “Billy” Cook of Ft. Polk, LA; six grandchildren: Reggie Garcia, Daniel Casperson, John Prock, Melody Schroeder, Sierra Franklin and Hannah Casperson; six great grandchildren: eight stepchildren; and numerous step grandchildren, step great grandchildren; and step great-great grandchildren, two sisters: Shirley Sroka and Dawn John; two brothers: Harry and Allan Casperson; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Hank was preceded in by one son: Terry Casperson; one brother: Paul Casperson and one sister: Joan Bloomus. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2016 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / ST. Robert with Father John Groner officiating. Pastor Chris Hendrix recalled his wonderful memorial of Hank. The songs “Amazing Grace”, “Ave Maria”, “How Great Thou Art”, “Abide With Me” and “The Lord’s Prayer” were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Hank Casperson and may be left at the funeral home.

1SG (Ret) Henry "Hank" Casperson, Jr.

July 10, 1935 - July 20, 2016