Mark Phillip Desper, Sr. departed this life on Friday, November 24, 2023 at CAMC Memorial Hospital in Kanawha City, WV.

He was born on February 8, 1965 in Charleston, WV to Thomas William Desper, Sr. and Jeanette Smith of Charleston, WV.

Mark attended the following Kanawha County Public Schools:  Fruth Elementary, Chandler Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and Stonewall Jackson High.  He was an honor roll student, starting quarterback on the football team, and a member of the graduating class of 1983.  Mark also participated in the mentoring and tutoring program at Tiskelwah Elementary School.

Shortly after high school, Mark enlisted in the United States Military where he served for several years.  Throughout his life he was also employed at Montgomery Wards, the Stamping Plant, and Westside Nursery.

Mark enjoyed spending time with the family watching Oakland Raiders games (RAIDER NATION), fishing, and he was an amazing cook especially on the grill.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Phillip and Margarette Smith; paternal grandparents, Rueban and Edna Desper; father, Thomas William Desper, Sr.; and his brother, Tony Desper.

Left to cherish Mark's memory is his mother, Jeanette Smith of Charleston; brother, Thomas "Tee" Desper, Jr. of Charleston; sister, Tina Law of Florida; significant other, Talma Smith of Dunbar; daughter, Jamie Elizabeth Miller of Fort Wayne, IN; son, Mark Phillip Desper, Jr. of Hampton, VA; daughter, Barbara Jean Smith Desper of Dunbar; son, Jason Foster of Lansing, MI; daughter, Launia Smith Desper of Dunbar; grandchildren, Alivia Joy Jones of Fort Wayne, IN and Jonathan Isaiah Miller of Fort Wayne, IN.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, Charleston, with Pastor Dorletta Hairston officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, Charleston.

Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at Metropolitan Baptist Church, Charleston.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net