Alan David Shiplett, age 61, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 13, 2025, due to heart failure. Alan was born, Jan 22, 1964 in Dearborn, MI, at Dearborn General Hospital to Ralph William Shiplett & Janice Carol Harlan Shiplett. Alan was an athlete, popular and excelled in high school, he Gradated from Stockbridge High School in 1982. Thereafter he attended Specs School of Broadcasting in 1983 then Olivet Collage for a short time then went to trade school to become a Blacksmith. “The closest thing to being a real cowboy.”- Alan Shiplett. Although Alan had many professions over the years to name a few, Radio DJ, his radio name was “Al Sharp” Blacksmith, Master Pressman, Auto Zone Dude, (which he loved and called his bro time.) He really was novice to nothing and master of everything, a true Jack of all trades. At the end of his life he worked full time as a Master Pressman at, ASAP printing in Lansing MI & part time at Auto Zone in Charlotte Mi. Alan was a hard working man that enjoyed the pride in making a buck from the sweat of his brow. Alan married young in 1988, had two children & was a devoted father to, Jeanette Delta Sternett & Justin Zachary Shiplett. Then divorce and remarried Kita Marie Herriff in 1999 & was her devoted husband for 26 years until his last day. Alan was also a devoted father to Nathaniel Scott Herriff, Courtney Nicole Herriff, Ashley Marie Herriff, his step children that he loved as his own. Alan’s hobbies included Leather working, Creating content on tiktok, watching Jeopardy, growing and tending to a garden, in his younger years, waterfall hunting, down hill skiing, and going to the beach. He loved the outdoors and wanted to move up north as soon as he retired. Alan’s interests included, all animals especially dogs, the republican party, science, the theory of evolution, anything he could learn from like the Discovery channel, spending time with his family, friends & dogs. Alan was an honest, hard working, family man that had courage in his convictions, stood up for what he believed in, had corny dad jokes for days, made you belly laugh every time he was around and was just an all around good guy. He loved helping others, the day before he died he mowed all his neighbors lawns, no money involved just because he was a good person. “I’m so blessed he instilled his values in me, and I hope I can live up to half the person he was.” -Jenn DuShane- Alan is survived by: His Wife: Kita Marie Shiplett His Daughter: Jeanette Delta DuShane & Son in Law: Luke Earl DuShane, His Son: Nathaniel Scott Herriff & Daughter in law: Nevaeh Lynn Herriff, His Daughter: Courtney Nicole Balcom & Son in law Nate Balcom Grand Children: Alexis Elizabeth McCarthy Delilah Rose DuShane & Dakota Zachary Evart: First great grandbaby due Aug 5, 2025 Siblings: Beth Shiplett, Clint Shiplett, Dorothy Shiplett, & William Shiplett and many nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death: his mother; Janice; father, Ralph; son, Justin Shiplett & daughter Ashley Herriff. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements with Purse Funeral Home. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
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