Dr. Larry A. Eberhardt

Dr. Larry Allan Eberhardt, longtime professor of political science at Oklahoma City University, died on September 21, 2026, in Oklahoma City. He was 89.

Larry was born January 7, 1937, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Emanuel Eberhardt and Florence Geiser Eberhardt.

From an early age, Larry developed an abiding interest in government, public affairs, education and the wider world, interests that would shape both his professional life and his many decades of civic involvement.

He attended Valparaiso University, where he was active in campus life and wrote sports features for the university newspaper, The Torch. While an undergraduate, he also spent a semester studying American government at American University in Washington, D.C. In 1959, Larry received a prestigious Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship to pursue graduate study in political science at Northwestern University.

After earning his undergraduate degree from Valparaiso and his master's degree from Northwestern, Larry joined the political science faculty at Bowling Green State University in Ohio in 1966. He later completed his Ph.D. in political science at Northwestern University in 1971. That same year, Larry joined the faculty of Oklahoma City University, beginning an association with the university that would span more than five decades. As a professor of political science, he devoted his career to teaching generations of students about government, politics, public policy and international affairs. He later held the title of Professor Emeritus of Political Science.

Larry's commitment to education extended well beyond the traditional classroom. He helped lead Oklahoma City University's Robert A. Taft Institute of Government seminars, programs designed to deepen teachers' understanding of American government, elections, public policy and civic participation. His work reflected a lifelong belief in the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry.

International affairs were another enduring interest. Larry traveled extensively and made many trips to both Singapore and Russia, including travel connected with Oklahoma City University's international academic programs. Those experiences reflected the same curiosity about people, governments and cultures that shaped his teaching and scholarship. For many years, he was also active with the United Nations Association of Oklahoma City and served on its Board of Directors, supporting its work in international education, global cooperation and civic engagement.

Oklahoma City University remained an important part of Larry's life long after his years of full-time teaching. He was a longtime supporter of the university and a member of its Gold Star Society, recognizing those who made provisions for OCU through planned or estate giving. His continued support reflected the deep bond he maintained with the institution where he had spent so much of his professional life.

Above all, Larry's Christian faith was a central and deeply important part of his life. He was devoted to his church, Our Lord's Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City, and his faith was a source of fellowship, purpose and service throughout his life. He taught adult Sunday School, was an active member of the Men’s Group, and with other church members he volunteered at the Regional Food Bank and repaired homes through Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair. The values that shaped his academic and civic work--thoughtfulness, compassion, service to others and a concern for the larger world--were also deeply rooted in that faith.

Larry was also a valued presence in his own Oklahoma City neighborhood, where he established and maintained a small neighborhood free library, sharing his lifelong love of books and learning with those around him. After retirement he became a volunteer with the Friends of the Metropolitan Library, receiving and sorting donated books and talking about them with other volunteers.

Larry was a lifelong student of politics, history and world affairs, but his interests reflected something broader: a deep curiosity about people, ideas and the ways individuals can contribute to the communities around them. His life was marked by learning, teaching, faith and service.

He is survived by his brother, Raymond Eberhardt, and by six nieces and nephews, along with extended family, former colleagues, students and friends.

Larry will be remembered for his devotion to his faith, his long service to Oklahoma City University, his commitment to education and civic life, and the many students, colleagues, family members and friends whose lives were touched by his teaching, conversation, kindness and friendship.