Robert Melvin Burkholder Sr., 90 of Lebanon, Pa passed away on December 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 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 3rd 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 five children; Robert M Burkholder Jr. and wife Elizabeth of West Chester, Pa. Kathy Brandt, wife of David (deceased) of Lebanon. Tom Burkholder and wife Jen of Palmyra. Lisa Long and her husband John of Lebanon. Kevin Burkholder and his wife Gina of Ephrata. He's also survived by his grandchildren Mollie, Miles, Caroline, Robert III, Jamie, Jeremy, Josh, Nicole, Ethan, Brock, Rachel and Justin. Bob also has three great grandchildren, Jack, Wyatt, and Charlotte. Also surviving Bob is his sister Jean Price of Ephrata and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

A visitation will be held from 10AM-12PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc., 126 S. 9th St, Lebanon, PA 17042. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Humane Society of Lebanon County 150 N. Ramona Rd. Myerstown, Pa 17067.The family welcomes your memories and messages in our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com