Alan L. Kaplan, MD

Alan L. Kaplan, MD, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, physician, and friend, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at age 95. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Cissie Rauch Kaplan, and sons, John Kaplan and Robert Kaplan. He is also survived by Gary and Cheryl Casper and Janet Asarch. Alan adored his grandchildren, Shelby Casper Viola (Kevin), Natalie Casper, Allison Asarch Cothron (Tyler), Lindsey Asarch Payne (Larry), and Caitlyn Asarch Cain (Ben). Alan loved that he got to spend time with his great-grandchildren, Larry Payne III and Harrison Cothron. He is also survived by numerous dear cousins from Houston and Atlanta. Alan was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Esther and Benjamin, and his sister, Betty Ann Friedman. Alan was an exceptional athlete, having played football, basketball, and track in high school and even went to Los Angeles to compete for a spot on the 1948 US Olympic track team in London. Even though he did not make the team, his dad was so proud of him that he took him to London for the games that year. Alan entered Washington and Lee College, where he played football and track. He majored in English as a plan to go into the family business. However, his passion was science and medicine, which took him to Columbia University College of Surgeons and Physicians. Following his residency at Columbia, he accepted his prestigious Obstetrics & Oncology, Clinical Fellowship at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City through 1963. After completing his fellowship, Alan made his way to his eventual home of Houston and the Texas Medical Center where he joined Baylor College of Medicine’s department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to his practice, he became a full professor and eventually director of Gynecology Oncology in 1979. Alan joined Houston Methodist Hospital in 2005 as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Alan proudly served his country as an Army surgeon in Germany for two years. Alan was a recipient of numerous honors and awards including the Golden Forceps Award for outstanding medical student education and was named as one of the Best Doctors in America from 1995 through 2003. He was a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Surgeons, and was a founding member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. One of the greatest honors in Alan’s life came in 2010 when Houston Methodist established The Alan L. Kaplan, MD Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Following his retirement in 2015, Alan remained active with Houston Methodist. He and Cissie established the Houston Methodist Women’s Health Symposium, which has generously raised money for women’s health research. In addition, this Symposium has provided a lecture series to educate women in the greater Houston area about health challenges women face today. The family wishes to thank Alan’s primary caregiver, Luis Jaimez, during the last months of his remarkable life. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden,1101 Antoine Dr., Houston, Texas, 77055. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to The Dr. and Mrs. Alan L. Kaplan Lectureship at Houston Methodist (www.houstonmethodist.org/giving) or another charity of your choice.

Alan L. Kaplan, MD

September 10, 1930 - June 14, 2026