Robert L. "Lurch" Hollister, Sr., 63, of Carlisle, died with family by his side on Saturday, January 30, 2010, in the Carlisle Regional Medical Center. He was born on Wednesday, March 13, 1946, in Oakland, CA, and was a son of the late Douglas J. Hollister and the late Felicia De Figueroa Hollister.

Bob graduated from high school in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico in 1964 and soon thereafter entered the U. S. Army. He was a Vietnam War veteran and served one tour as a door gunner onboard a "HUEY" from 1966-68 and served another tour as a crew chief onboard a "COBRA" from 1970-72. Bob earned many medals and honors for his faithful service to our country. He received the Purple Heart Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Marksman Badge (M-14), Expert Badge (M-16), Air Medal (1-10 Olive Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Good Conduct Medal W/Clasps Bronze W/2 Loops, the Army Commendation Medal W/2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal W/6 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross W/Palm Unit Citation Badge, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, First Class Unit Citation Badge, 6 Overseas Bars and the Meritorious Unit Emblem. Bob served in the TET Offensive.

He retired from the Defense Distribution Regional East-Mechanicsburg after 15 years of service, and was a former Correction Officer for Cumberland County Prison and a former C. H. Masland and Sons employee. Bob was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carlisle, and was also a member of the 101st Airborne Division Assoc., the KHe SanH Veterans, Mt. Holly Springs American Legion Post 674, Alpha Troop 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Assoc., the Assoc. of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade (Redcatcher Inc.), 25th Infantry Division Assoc., Tropic Lightning, Distinguished Flying Cross member, Little Bear Diamondhead Clipper Assoc. and the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Member Association.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Ginger L. (Woods) Hollister, a son and daughter, Robert L. Hollister, Jr. and Jennifer L. Hollister both of Harrisburg, many loving and caring nieces, nephews, family members and friends from Claremont Nursing & Rehab. Center, Health South, Holy Spirit Hospital, Carlisle Regional Medical Center, ManorCare and Special Events Emergency Medical Services. Bob is also survived by his loving canine companion, King Lee Hollister.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 5, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, with Rev. Timothy Sadler officiating. Burial with military honors provided by Cumberland County Honor Guard will be in Mt. Holly Springs Cemetery. A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6-9:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Central PA, 4813 Jonestown Rd., Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17109 or American Diabetes Association, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 202, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to Carlisle PetSmart Pet Charities, 248 Westminster Dr., Carlisle, PA 17015.