Ebel, Roland H.

Roland H. Ebel went to his eternal home in Heaven on May 8, 2015, passing from this life to that peacefully in his sleep. He was born to Walter and Phoebe Ebel on October 11, 1928. He was raised in the Christian community, believing in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. This would be a lifelong conviction and support for him.

Dr. Ebel was a Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Tulane University, where he taught from 1965 until his retirement in 1994. He specialized in Latin American Politics, with an emphasis on Central America, and in particular Guatemala. Dr. Ebel received an A.B. in History from Wheaton College; an M.A. in Education from Northwestern University; and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Michigan State University. Among his notable publications were Political Culture and Foreign Policy in Latin America: Case Studies from the Circum-Caribbean (New York, 1991) and Misunderstood Caudillo: Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes and the Failure of Democracy in Guatemala (Latham, Maryland, 1998).

Roland was an educator at heart, always looking for a good discussion on almost any subject. He taught high school and college, did bible studies at church and at home, was the moderator for a number of symposium/debates and continued to do research and write most of his career.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine; his parents; and one son, Tim; and he is survived by two sons, James (Jean) and Daniel. He has four grandchildren, Rachel (Shawn), Ruth, Andrew and Abigail.

There will be a memorial service at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg 2 p.m. May 12, 2015, with a short service at Memorial Gardens following.