Dr. Larry Hoehn, distinguished Professor Emeritus and former Chairman of the Department of Mathematics at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., passed away Feb. 20, 2026, at the age of 83.
Born May 1, 1942, in the small community of Belgique, Larry’s life was a masterclass in the harmony of logic, history, craftsmanship, and faith.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Larry’s journey in education began in the rural landscape of Missouri, where he walked more than a mile each day to attend a one-room schoolhouse through the sixth grade. Growing up alongside six siblings, he learned early the values of discipline, perseverance, and curiosity. These formative years laid the foundation for a lifetime devoted to learning, discovery, and service — a career that would span more than three decades at Austin Peay State University.
A BRILLIANT MATHEMATICAL MIND
Larry was a titan in the world of geometry and mathematical research. Over the course of his career, he published more than 99 articles in respected mathematical journals, contributing elegant results and fresh insights to classical Euclidean geometry. His work explored cyclic quadrilaterals, generalizations of the Pythagorean theorem, and extensions of classical results such as those of Ceva and Menelaus. Known for clarity and ingenuity, he had a rare gift for uncovering new beauty within long-studied geometric forms.
His contributions to the field became permanently recognized through Hoehn’s Theorem, a sophisticated generalization of the Pythagorean theorem. Within the global mathematical community, Larry held the distinguished Erdős number of 2, marking a direct collaborative connection to the legendary mathematician Paul Erdős.
In addition to his research, Larry served as Chairman of the Department of Mathematics during his final six years at APSU. He was awarded the Hawkins Award, the university’s highest honor for faculty scholarship and service — a testament not only to his intellectual achievements but also to his leadership and dedication to students and colleagues.
Larry believed deeply in the power of elegant proof and lifelong curiosity. His writings, including explorations of the Pythagorean theorem and its many proofs, enriched both professional mathematicians and classroom teachers. He exemplified the spirit of mathematical craftsmanship — refining ideas, discovering new connections, and preserving the living tradition of geometry.
PRESERVING HISTORY AND SHAPING WOOD
Larry’s curiosity extended far beyond mathematics. He was a devoted genealogist who authored two significant books documenting the histories and lineages of Missouri families. His meticulous research preserved stories that might otherwise have been lost to time.
When not immersed in theorems or historical records, Larry was a skilled woodcarver. He was especially known for his hand-carved wooden crosses — works that reflected both mathematical precision and artistic grace. Each piece stood as a quiet testament to his patience, faith, and attention to detail.
FAMILY AND LEGACY
While his professional accomplishments were many, Larry’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kay (Lawson) Hoehn; his sons, Jacob Hoehn and Johann (Julia) Hoehn; his brothers, Harold (Rosalyn) Hoehn and Ronnie (Gerri) Hoehn; and sisters-in-law Donna “Dee” Easterly and Zel (Michael) Kearley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Bertha (Hoffman) Hoehn; his sisters, Arline (Sonny) Brewer, Betty (Jay) Kakalia, Carol (Bob) Sutterer, and Margie (Lowell) Walker; and brother-in-law Kirby Easterly.
Larry’s life embodied the pursuit of truth — whether in the structure of a geometric figure, the pages of family history, or the grain of carved wood. From the dusty roads of a one-room schoolhouse to the heights of mathematical discovery, he never stopped seeking the truth.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Larry from noon to 3 p.m. April 18, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church Youth House, 105 N. Kingshighway St., Perryville.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Perry County Historical Society in Dr. Larry Hoehn’s name.
