Alan Shepley
May 4, 1948 ~ December 25, 2024
Alan Martin Shepley 76, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa following a short illness. Visitation: 4-7:00 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2025, Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Memorial Celebration: 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, United Methodist Church, Mount Vernon. Burial: Mount Vernon Cemetery at a later date.
Alan was born May 4, 1948, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Laurel 'Jack' and Dorothy (Stevens) Shepley. He was united in marriage to Barbara Guinn of Milton, Iowa in 1968.
Alan started his career working as a stockboy at Mays Drug in Ottumwa. He continued working for Mays Drug after graduating college, serving as a pharmacist and store manager in Bloomington, Illinois, and Round Lake, Illinois. In 1974 he moved back to Iowa and worked at the Fifth Avenue Pharmacy in Cedar Rapids as a pharmacist, store manager, nursing home consultant, and part owner. In 1980 he purchased the drug store in Mount Vernon, and remained there until retiring, and sold the business in 2014. He was also part-owner of Care Pro businesses in Cedar Rapids.
Shepley Pharmacy served as a rotation site for University of Iowa pharmacy students. He was a preceptor for the Pharm D Residency program with the University, mentoring and training pharmacy students for work in community pharmacy.
Alan was active in the Iowa Pharmacy Association, serving on numerous boards, committees, and was president of the association in 1999-2000.
Alan served on the Iowa Board of Pharmacy 1984-1993. For 20 years he served on the National Association Board of Pharmacy committee writing the law exam all pharmacy graduates from around the country take to become licensed.
In 1997 he was selected by the Iowa Pharmacy Association for the 'Bowl of Hygeia' award for outstanding community service as a pharmacist. In 2014, he was awarded the Robert G. Gibbs Distinguished Pharmacist Award.
He was an active member of the United Methodist Church and the Lions Club in Mount Vernon. Alan was named the Merchant of the Year in 1997. He also served on the board of directors for the Mount Vernon Bank and Trust.
Even in retirement, his love of being a community pharmacist and serving his patients led him to work at the Community Health Free Clinic in Cedar Rapids.
Alan touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Barb, of 56 years; children, Scot Shepley of Madison, Wisconsin, Eric (Stacy) Shepley of Strawberry Point, Iowa, and Sara (Joe) Baitinger, of Urbandale, Iowa; grandchildren, Sio��n, Robin, Corin, Rylynn, and Halie Shepley, and Jack and Charlie Baitinger; sister, Rene (Rick) Ragan; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jack and Rohn Shepley; grandson, James Baitinger; and in-laws, Raymond and Nellie Guinn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Scholarship fund, the Community Health Free Clinic in Cedar Rapids, or the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Mount Vernon
Barb and family.
A great golfing partner and dear friend.
Will be missed.
Was a luncheon from above as 4 of us and Al met December 12th.
Prayers are with you all
Daryl Slinker
Al was highly respected by all Iowa pharmacists. His caring attitude and thoughtful conversations will be memories I carry forward. He will be missed by the IPA family.
Al never failed to serve generously at CFHC, even after running into a deer coming into the clinic. Admittedly, I did not want to make a single mistake under his guidance, and he explained all things thoroughly, as a seasoned preceptor. Al’s smiles came out when discussing basketball and how proud he was of all his family members, asking us to partake in the proud moments that were stored on his phone. Al, your memories will surely not fade, as you assisted so many.
Wishing you peace and comfort during this challenging time.
So sorry for your loss. We are all thinking of you during these difficult times.
Barb,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I always liked Al. I felt he was always fair and honest with me. He will be missed by so many towns people. Always remember his smile with love.
With sympathy,
Annamae Baker
Barb and family, so very sorry for your loss! We loved our time spent with you and Al each year at our annual radiology get together at the reservoir. He was such a great guy and always fun to talk to! May God Bless you all with so many special family memories!
Dear Barb, I saw Alan’s obituary and wanted to reach out to you. Many years ago, I met Alan in your parents kitchen and of course again at Guinn family reunions, but our most recent visit, when you came to Virginia, was the best. He lived a wonderful life and your shared memories will bring comfort to you and your children. Sending love,
Elizabeth Ann
A brother is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the connection of family. Miss you. Rene, Rick Jim and Mark
Dear Barb and Family,
Our Community Health Free Clinic family cannot believe our beloved Al will not be returning to care for all of us and our patients. The Al we knew every day for six years and then some was knowledgeable, kind, and so gentle and generous with staff, volunteers, and patients. No matter how many times we asked him if a drug was in stock! Along with everything else he participated in, Al was a part of the Clinic from March 1, 2018, through December 13, 2024. We will be forever grateful for his time and expertise. We should all be blessed to spend our last days doing what we love. We’re thinking of you and wish you comfort and peace. We hope that in time faith, family, friends, and good memories can help you through this pain. We share in your sorrows as we remember Al and think of the many lives he touched. We are so glad to have known him. We will dearly miss his company.
With Love,
Darlene and ALL of your friends at Community Health Free Clinic
Alan was a great classmate and pharmacist. Then he continually took it to another, higher level by investing over and over again in his profession, his community, his patients and future pharmacists. Alan Shepley was a great man.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. We are thinking of you. Sending love from Seattle.
A truly good person left us. I was in Cloud 9 flying club with Al. He was a great guy, intelligent, interesting & simply fun to be around. Also, a damn fine pilot. RIP!
I remember when Al hired, “He said I never start anyone with that amount but I will because I want you to put in a some sewing supplies and yarn “. And that was the beginning he had me at the start 😁. I loved every minute working for the Shepley’s . Sorry I will miss his service because I’m in Arizona. My prayers for comfort are for Barb and family. Hugs Joyce Rudish