Darold Otto Eberhardt went to heaven to be with our Savior, at the age of 85, on Aug. 20, 2020. He was born on Oct. 8, 1934, in Ogallala, Nebraska.
    He grew up in Brule with his parents and sisters; his parents Otto Martin and Emma Zovodny Eberhardt, preceded him in death. His sisters were Norma Martens, Eleanor McCroden, Alice Hackbarth, and Berdeen Block.
    Darold married on Dec. 13, 1953, to Donna Petersen who passed away in September of 1961. He later married Lynn McConnell on Sept. 16, 1963, until her passing in May of 1979.
    Darold graduated from Brule High School in 1953, where he played football and basketball. He enlisted in the Army in September of 1953, and did basic training at Ft. Riley, Kansas. In February of 1954, he signed up for the 82 Airborne Division and was shipped to Ft. Bragg, NC. He made 17 jumps as a Paratrooper and was honorably discharged in 1956. After the military, he farmed wheat with his father in Ogallala. In 1967, he moved his family to Austonio, Texas, where he ranched for a brief period of time before moving back in 1970 to Wauneta, Nebraska. There he farmed corn and alfalfa and ranched cattle and hogs for several years. While in Wauneta, he also served on the Wauneta School Board. He eventually moved back to Texas, where he would live out the rest of his life in the Bryan/College Station area. He married Dianne Mooney on Jan. 15, 1994, and worked for the City of College Station Water Services for 20 years.
    While working at the City, coworkers would regularly break a sledgehammer that could be purchased for $15.00 or the handle for $12.00. Naturally, they would always buy a new sledge because, after all, who knew how to fix a sledgehammer? Well, Darold did. He was a child of the Depression Era. He could never understand not fixing a tool, such as an axe, a sledgehammer, a pick, and other tools. He first learned to fix equipment, tools, and wells on the farm growing up. Darold worked hard his whole life from farming to working at the City. His love of working included taking care of his property and his animals. He kept a rigid schedule throughout his life of getting up before dawn and being in bed by 9 p.m. When he was ready to go to bed, it was lights out for all, no matter what. He got his private pilot’s license in 1963, and had it until around 2006. He was always a good pilot. Owning several small planes himself, he always enjoyed the company of fellow pilots. They are a special breed. He loved his family, friends, and his time with the Lord through attending church services and volunteering with Mobility International.
    Darold had a long, full life. He preferred smaller crowds, but if they were serving white cake with white icing and Blue Bell ice cream at a gathering, he’d gladly participate. He loved his 1994 Nebraska red Chevy truck almost as much as he loved watching football. He enjoyed a good Huskers game and if Nebraska wasn’t playing, he’d happily watch an Aggie game. Later in life, he enjoyed following the stock market, reading jokes, sharing emails with family and friends, and taking care of his kitties. He was an avid weather watcher who loved engaging people with current weather information. Occasionally, you could catch him playing a game of solitaire. Darold was a diligent man with an amazing work ethic. He will be missed, but will live forever in our memories.
    Darold is survived by his loving wife Dianne Eberhardt; his daughters Peggy Epple (Gary) and Lorie O’Neil (Conn) and his son David Eberhardt (Denise).
    Darold is also survived by his two stepchildren Stephanie Stovall (Jeffery) and Kyle Barnett. His grandchildren are Kasie Gaona (Joey); John (Maggie) and Mark O’Neil; Lindsey McPherson (Brody); Cameron Epple; Jacob, Andrew and Owen Barnett; Emarie Stovall. Darold is also survived by his six great-grandchildren Jonah and Micha Gaona; Aniston and Riggins O’Neil; Breckin and Bennett McPherson; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
    A Celebration of Life will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Hillier of Bryan, Texas.
    A live stream virtual service will be viewable on Darold’s tribute page.