Michael Akers

Michael James Akers, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend, entered eternal rest on July 30, 2025, in Peoria, Arizona, at the age of 78, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. His legacy of love, gentleness, and unwavering devotion to both family and profession will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Born on August 24, 1946, in Beech Grove, Indiana, Michael, affectionately known to many as "Mike," was the cherished son of James and Helen Akers. He grew up alongside his brother, Steven Akers, and sister, Kathy Nagel, forming bonds of loyalty and support that endured throughout his life.

Mike's lifelong passion for learning propelled him into a distinguished career in pharmaceutical sciences. In 1968, he graduated from Wabash College where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He established himself as a leading expert in parenteral dosage form science and technology after graduating from the University of Iowa in 1972 with a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics. Known for his keen intellect and gentle mentoring, Mike taught over 3,000 professionals the fundamentals of sterile product development, manufacturing, and quality control through various courses and seminars. His authorship includes two renowned books: "Parenteral Quality Control," now in its third edition, and "Sterile Drug Products: Formulation, Packaging, Manufacturing, and Quality," a 500+ page masterpiece reflecting decades of expertise.

His scientific leadership at companies such as Eli Lilly, Baxter, Searle, and Alcon resulted in the development and commercialization of life-changing products like Keftab®, Glucagon, Humulin® cartridges, Gemzar®, and BSS Plus®. Always at the forefront of innovation, Mike's research advanced fields such as sterilization, depyrogenation validation, and lyophilization. He founded preformulation research groups and was widely recognized as an inspiring teacher and mentor.

Michael's professional distinctions, including being named a Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) in 1995 and University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2016, were matched only by his humility and soft-spoken nature. Colleagues and friends remember Mike for his unique sense of humor and innate ability to bring out the best in others.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mike's life was shaped by faith and family. A devout Christian and ordained reverend, Mike shared his practical theology through daily Bible study, writing, and teaching. He volunteered as a chaplain at Banner Health in Sun City, AZ. He authored several spiritual books and left behind decades of daily journals-a testament to his love for reflection and writing, which he maintained until Alzheimer's prevented him from continuing. His passions included golf, music, travel, and spending time with those he loved.

Mike was a cherished member of Stones Crossing Church in Greenwood, Indiana, as well as Christ's Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona. He found joy and fellowship in several local golf clubs and within his faith communities.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Mary "Midge" Margaret Akers (Wilder), his children, Scott Michael Akers (Mandy), Ryan Matthew Akers (Brandi), and Allison Michelle Bligh (Tommy), as well as his brother, Steven, and sister, Kathy. He is survived by five grandchildren: Alexa and Casey Akers, Taylor, Matthew, and Brayden Bligh. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Akers.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mike's life on August 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Stones Crossing Church in Greenwood, Indiana. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Scott Luck officiating. The Celebration of Life will not include Mike's remains as his body was donated to research for Alzheimer's Disease. Thus, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association.

As we mourn, we remember Mike's abiding faith and the comfort his favorite scripture offers us all:

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)