CMSgt Robert K. Strobel, USAF Retired

CMSgt Robert K. Strobel, USAF Retired, 87, known as Bob, entered into eternal peace on April 5, 2025.

Robert Kenneth (nee Cruickshank) Strobel is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mildred E. Lehmann-Strobel.

He is predeceased by his father, Kenneth Cruickshank and mother, Anna Gunther; his brothers, Kenneth R. (Cruickshank) Strobel and Richard Strobel; and stepfather, Otto Strobel.

Robert joined the US Air Force in December 1955. His first active duty station was in Paris, France. He returned to the US in 1965, joined the NJ Air Guard, and then transferred to the USAF Active Reserve. After serving 39½ years and achieving the highest enlisted grade of Chief Master Sergeant—a grade earned by one percent of the USAF enlisted grade- he retired at Charleston AFB, SC, on 1 August 1995.

During his service Robert earned the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Silver Oak Leaf Clusters & 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Medal; Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long Tour: Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 1 Silver Oak leaf Cluster: Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 2 Gold Hour Glass Devices; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm.

Robert (Bob) was an aviation enthusiast from a young age. He joined the Civil Air Patrol prior to joining the Air Force. He learned to fly, though did not get a chance to solo before he enlisted.

Bob was an active member of Old St. Andrew's Parish Church. He served as an usher, parish convention delegate for several years. He participated in organizing parish night activities and worked with the congregations' veterans, keeping them informed of their benefits. He would ensure that young parish members enlisting in the service received military prayer books and service medals.

Bob was baptized at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, NY, and will be buried at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Charleston, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Old St. Andrew's Memorial Fund in Bob's name.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Old St. Andrew's Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or shared online at mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.