Robert Melvin Burkholder Sr., 90, of Lebanon, PA, passed away on Dec. 13, 2025, at Alpine Valley Home in Lebanon, PA.

Bob was the son of Melvin E. Burkholder and Marcela J. Burkholder, nee Weiland, and was born in Lebanon, PA, on March 3, 1935. Bob was the loving husband of Justina Burkholder, nee Miller, who passed away in October 2023, and a devoted father of five.

Bob was a third-generation meat cutter who ran Bob Burkholder’s Food Market in Lebanon. Bob was a graduate of Lebanon High School, class of 1953. He was a dedicated player and coach in Lebanon County for many years and was active in amateur athletics, basketball, softball, and football. He was most dedicated to the youth football league of the area.

Bob coached hundreds of local youth in football, first in Cornwall and then at Ebenezer. He coached for 50 years and dedicated his time and effort to teaching the youth of the area. He took great pride in seeing these young kids grow and prosper in athletics and enjoyed seeing them play for their local school teams. In recognition of his coaching, he received many accolades, including the 1985 Mathews/Sollenberger Award from the Central Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame. As a coach, Bob was also a member of the Lebanon County Sports Hall of Fame and received the Cedar Spirit Award from his alma mater in recognition of his contributions to local sports.

Bob had many interests and made many friends over the years. He was involved in racing homing pigeons and was an enthusiastic tropical fish hobbyist.

Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Bob is survived by his children, Robert M. Burkholder Jr., and wife, Elizabeth, of West Chester, PA, Kathy Brandt, wife of David (deceased), of Lebanon, PA, Tom Burkholder, and wife, Jen, of Palmyra, PA, Lisa Long, and her husband, John, of Lebanon, PA, and Kevin Burkholder, and his wife, Gina, of Ephrata, PA; grandchildren, Mollie, Miles, Caroline, Robert III, Jamie, Jeremy, Josh, Nicole, Ethan, Brock, Rachel, and Justin; great-grandchildren, Jack, Wyatt, and Charlotte; sister, Jean Price, of Ephrata, PA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Full service details to follow. Please check back on the obituary on Thompson Funeral Home’s website.

At Thompson Funeral Home, four generations of the Thompson family have offered their knowledge, compassion, and experience while serving the families of the Lebanon area for the past 135 years.