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Dr. Robert (Bob) Shepler, a beloved family practice physician in the Tulsa community, passed away on December 31, 2024, in Austin, Texas. He was 79 years old. Bob was a loving father who cherished his children and grandchildren, a caring uncle and friend, and loved by all who knew him.

Born on September 27, 1945, in Clinton, Iowa. He grew up in Denver, Colorado. Bob left his first job working with his father at Don & Bob’s Gulf Gas Station and Mechanic Shop to pursue his passion for medicine. He graduated from Kansas City University of Osteopathic Medicine in 1974. He completed his one year internship in Family Practice at Tulsa Osteopathic Hospital, now known as Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A board-certified Family Physician, Bob devoted himself to providing medical care to the local Tulsa and Muskogee community for more than 40 years. Truly an "old-fashioned" family doctor, Bob was passionate about being available whenever and wherever his many patients needed him. He was beloved by his patients and their family members—known for his warm and comforting bedside manner as well as his calm and deliberate communication style.

When he wasn’t practicing medicine, Bob was taking pictures. He loved all aspects of photography and had a room full of cameras to prove it. He had an artistic eye and loved capturing moments and sharing his work with others.
He also loved running and ran marathons including Boston and New York. He loved to fish and had many great fishing adventures with friends and family. He had a great gift for storytelling. He was able to capture an audience with his sense of humor and unique outlook on life.

He is survived by his brother, Donnie Shepler and his wife Ruth, his sister Sue Martin, former wife Debbie Shepler and their four children: Robbyn Mauch and her wife Angela Mauch of Tulsa; Dr. Todd Shepler and his wife Dr. Maria Shepler of Austin; Kari Coons and her husband Josh Coons of Austin; Chad Shepler and his wife Erika Shepler of Austin; his niece Kristi Self and her husband Doug Self of Tulsa. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Jackson Coons, Judson Coons, Zach Shepler, Jake Shepler, Ben Shepler, Hughes Shepler, and Tyler Shepler, as well as numerous nieces and nephews including Megan Self, Emily Self, and Jacob Self.

Dr. Shepler will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He’ll always be remembered for his warmth, kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor. His legacy lives on through his family and friends who loved him dearly, many colleagues who respected his work, and countless patients and families whose lives he touched.