Master Sergeant Ret. Robert "Bob" G. Gilstrap

Master Sergeant Robert G. “Bob” Gilstrap, U.S. Army (Ret.) made his final formation on Earth and moved on to his eternal resting place on March 31, 2025. Bob was born in Picher (Ottawa County), Oklahoma, on September 1, 1930, to the late Hattie A. and Charles E. Gilstrap. He had three sisters, all of whom preceded him in death: the eldest, Florence E.; the middle sister, Betty N.; and the youngest, Helen R. Gilstrap.

The Gilstrap family lived in Picher, OK, for the first 10 or 11 years of Bob’s life, then moved to Los Angeles, CA, due to his father’s illness. Bob attended Thomas Starr King Junior High School and John Marshall High School in Los Angeles before joining the military. On January 6, 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in Hollywood, CA. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, CA, and then attended jump school at Fort Benning, GA. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fox Company, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. When the 325th PIR was activated, he was reassigned there.

During the Korean Conflict, he served with Company L, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, where he remained until completing his tour. While serving with the 187th, Bob was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Occupation Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Upon returning to the U.S., he was reassigned to Company B, 325th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division. While there, Bob attended the Infantry School at Fort Benning and later the Jumpmaster School. Upon qualification, he received his Master Parachutist Badge.

While stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, Bob met and married Margie L. Allen. Together they had three children: Robyn G. (who preceded her father in death on July 14, 2024), Theresa D., and Deborah C. Gilstrap. All three lived in the Fayetteville, NC, area. Robyn’s husband, Mitch, was killed in action while serving with the 7th Special Forces Group in Afghanistan. Theresa is now married to Robert E. Becker, also a retired soldier.

In 1958, Bob was sent to the 3rd Armored Division in Germany, where he served for three years. His first year was with Company B, 2nd ARB, 48th Infantry, 3rd Armored Division. Afterward, he was transferred to Headquarters Company of the 3rd Armored Division at Drake Kaserne in Frankfurt, Germany. While there, he attended the 7th Army NCO School in Bad Tölz, Germany. He remained in Headquarters Company until the end of his tour.

Upon returning to the 82nd Airborne Division, Bob was assigned to Headquarters Company of the 325th AIR as Ammo Chief. In 1963, Bob joined the U.S. Army Special Forces and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group. In 1966, he deployed to South Vietnam, joining the 5th Special Forces Group. He served an extended tour before returning to the United States to prepare for retirement. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division until his official retirement on September 1, 1969.

Among Bob’s many medals, awards, and decorations were: the Combat Infantry Badge (2nd award), the Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Bob was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Patrick Catholic Church on Village Drive in Fayetteville, NC.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.  A graveside service with military honors will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of courage, devotion, and love for his family, his country, and his faith. He will be deeply missed.

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