Robert Lewis “Bobby” Lusher, 59, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away on June 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bobby was born on January 16, 1967, in Ridgecrest, California, to Sonny and Polly Lusher. He grew up in the community he loved and graduated from Burroughs High School in 1986. He continued his education, graduating from Cerro Coso Community College and then transferring to Washington State University to pursue a BA in Fire Science.

In 1989, Bobby met Ann. What began as a chance meeting grew into a beautiful love story that lasted more than 36½ years. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, faith, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Bobby dedicated his life to serving others throughout his entire career at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, where he worked for over 31 years. For the first eight years, he worked as a High Voltage Electrician. He then spent the next 23 years as an Engineer with the China Lake Fire Department.

During those years, Bobby also answered another call to service by joining the Army National Guard as a Parachute Rigger. He loved the challenge and excitement of jumping from airplanes and was proud to serve his country. Following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Bobby felt compelled to do more. Although his National Guard unit was not scheduled for deployment, he sought another way to serve and transferred to the Navy Seabees. Shortly thereafter, he deployed for a year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Leaving his family was difficult, but Bobby believed deeply in service and sacrifice. When asked why he chose to go, he simply said, “I am going so others don’t have to.”

For his military service, Bobby received numerous honors and awards, including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Eagle, Globe & Anchor, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Parachute Rigger Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge. While he was honored to receive these recognitions, he was most proud of serving his country and standing beside the men and women with whom he served.

Those who knew Bobby will remember his strength, loyalty, and willingness to help anyone in need, especially animals. He was known for his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and ability to make people laugh. Whether he was sharing a joke, telling a story, or finding humor in everyday life, Bobby had a gift for bringing smiles to those around him. He was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, faithful friend, firefighter, veteran, and public servant. He lived a life marked by courage, humility, laughter, and love.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Ann Lusher; his daughter, Marshell Lusher Edney (Josh Edney); his sons, Lucas Lusher, Jacob Lusher, and Robby Lusher; his mother, Polly Lusher; his sister, Cheryl Prentice; his nieces, Nicole Prentice and Larissa Prentice; his beloved granddaughters, Cora Edney and Olivia Edney; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Patricia Valovich, and brother-in-law, Andrew Valovich.

He was preceded in death by his father, Sonny Lusher, and his cousin, Ethan.

A Rosary will be held at Saint Ann Catholic Church on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Saint Ann Catholic Church, with a reception immediately following at the Moose Lodge in Ridgecrest, CA.

Bobby loved animals and was especially proud of rescuing his best friend, Curtis, from the animal shelter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter in his memory.

Though Bobby’s battle with cancer has ended, his example of courage, selflessness, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched.