Robert "Bob" Stringfellow

1917 - 2008

Robert "Bob" Stringfellow of Carlisle died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, with his family at his side, at the home of his daughter in New Freedom. He was 90.

Born November 27, 1917, in Carlisle, he was the son of the late Guy and Nellie Jane (Hargleroad) Stringfellow. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Helena Virginia (Alwood) Stringfellow, who died Dec. 28, 2005; an infant son, Robert John Stringfellow; an infant granddaughter; and seven brothers and sisters.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Virginia M. E. Walker and her husband, John, of New Freedom; two sons, Dr. David A. Stringfellow and his wife, Joyce, of Auburn, Ala., and Joseph C. Stringfellow and his wife, Pamela, of Clinton, Conn.; one sister, Freda Huntzinger of Carlisle; grandchildren John, Michael, Laura, Keith, Daniel, Kimberly, Meredith and Madeline; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob attended Carlisle High School and worked as a shoe finisher in Carlisle before entering the U.S. Army Air Force in 1943. In World War II, he served as an Air Operations Specialist with the 1st Fighter group, 71st squadron in the Air Offensive-Europe in North Africa, Italy, Sardinia, France and the Balkans. He received one silver and four bronze stars for nine combat campaigns before his honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant in September 1945.

Upon return from the war, he obtained an entry-level clerical position at the Carlisle Barracks and worked his way up to the position of deputy comptroller before retiring with 31 years of service in 1976.

Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed all of the outdoor sports, being an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman, especially enjoying the times when he could be outdoors with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. He also enjoyed model railroading. In his retirement years, he enjoyed doing genealogical research and ultimately published a book about the history of his family. Bob was a member of the Cumberland County Historical Society.

Bob's golden years were spent enjoying time with the love his life, his wife, Helena, and being truly interested and involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. In November 2007, he enjoyed a surprise celebration of his 90th birthday, sharing a lifetime of memories with more than 50 of his family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of viewing on from 6-8 p.m. Monday in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle. Funeral services will 11 a.m. Tuesday in the First United Church of Christ, 30 N. Pitt St., Carlisle, with the Rev. Monica J. Ouellette officiating. Burial with military honors provided by Cumberland County Honor Guard will be in Ashland Cemetery, Carlisle. Memorial contributions can be made to Cumberland County Historical Society, 21 N. Pitt St., Carlisle, Pa. 17013. Visit www.since1853.com to send a condolence.