Robert "Rabbit" E. Douglas

Robert "Rabbit" E. Douglas

Mechanicsburg’s First Hippie -

Robert “Rabbit” E. Douglas, age 77, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.  Rabbit was born on Monday, August 28, 1944, in Mechanicsburg to the late Robert Caruthers Douglas and Beatrice Azalea (Zeigler) Douglas.  In addition to his parents, Rabbit is preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Kuberry, and the love of his life, Karen June (Basehore) Douglas.

Rabbit’s survivors include his two sons: Bobby Douglas and his wife, Jessica, of Mechanicsburg and Justin Douglas of Mechanicsburg; his eight grandchildren: Corey, Emalee, Austin, Breanna, Karissa, Brittany, Bobby and Avery; and several nieces and nephews.

Rabbit graduated from Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School as part of the class of 1962.  He retired from the New Cumberland Army Depot in the late 90’s, where he worked as a scrubber/sweeper operator in the warehouse.  Rabbit was a selfless, hardworking man that was dedicated to community service.  He was a mentor to many and shared his vast firefighting knowledge with countless others.  Rabbit first became a firefighter in 1960 and was active through 2016; serving 55+ active years.  He joined Hookies first while still in high school and later moved on to Washie’s Station 28.  He also volunteered at Duncannon Fire Company for a time while living in that area.  Besides firefighting, Rabbit enjoyed going to the races, mostly dirt track, and was an avid fisherman; he caught many “tree branch” fish.  He had a great sense of humor and was known by many as “Mechanicsburg’s First Hippie”. Family always came first above all else, and Rabbit will be deeply missed by those that knew and loved him.

Rabbit’s family will be celebrating his life privately.  Interment in Mechanicsburg Cemetery will be at the family’s convenience.  Cremation was private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center who so lovingly cared for Rabbit during his illness.

The family respectfully asks that contributions be made in Rabbit’s memory to help defray his final expenses.  Donations of any amount are welcome and greatly appreciated.  To donate, simply click on the “Donations” tab on Rabbit’s obituary which appears on Buhrig.com.  Donations by check can be made payable to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  Credit card donations by telephone can be made by dialing (717) 766-3421.  Rabbit’s family thanks you and Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory for the financial support at this difficult time.

Rabbit’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Rabbit’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.