Mark E. Melzer
October 31, 2025
Mark E. Melzer, 73, a loving father, grandfather, husband, and retired home inspector, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025.
A private celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Mark was born in Cleveland, OH, and moved to Wichita in early childhood. Mark, a graduate of Southeast High School and an entrepreneur at heart, utilized his experience in landscaping, property maintenance, and purchasing rental properties to establish Apex Building Inspections in 1980. For over 30 years, Wichita-area realtors and home buyers could rely on his expertise and customer service to help them during the purchase of their homes. His family can still hear him answering his cell phone, “Apex, this is Mark.”
Mark deeply loved his daughters, wife, grandchildren, step-children, and his pets. He designed and built two beautiful homes where each day began and ended with walks in fields and parks with his dogs. He constantly reminded his family how much he loved them, with strings of compliments and praise for who they were as individuals. He never missed a daughter’s soccer practice, game, or dance performance and was incredibly proud of them in every step of their life. Whimsical song and laughter followed Mark. He frequently hummed while working or thinking, often unaware of it, which earned him the nickname “The Humming Inspector.” Never afraid to be goofy to get a smile or laugh, he loved singing his “Opa” song to his grandchildren. A sports enthusiast, he rarely missed a KU basketball or football game, and followed his grandchildren’s Little League baseball games on his phone. Mark loved nature, especially the mountains and beaches. He enjoyed gazing at the sky, sharing sunsets, admiring bright moons, and discussing clouds with his wife and family.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Barbara Melzer; brother, Rob Melzer.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn “Kathy” Simms Melzer of Derby; daughters, Jamie (James) Kayler, Devon Melzer, both of New York City, NY, Jamie Simms of Los Angeles, CA; sons, Jake Simms of Wichita, Justin (Molly) Simms of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Charlotte Kayler, Sadie Kayler, Hugo Simms, Oscar Simms; sister, Vicki Caldarera of Wichita.
In place of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Mark E. Melzer 's name.
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
P.O. Box 5014
Hagerstown,
MD
21741
Memories Timeline
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Love you forever, Mark. Xo
So sorry, Kathy,for your loss. I was looking for the obituary of another and Mark’s popped up—a well done obituary, imo, as I learned so much about your husband. I regret I never actually met Mark, just heard about him through you. He had to have been awesome for you and your kids and for his kids, of course. Your big, loving family will help you get through your grief to wonderful & happy memories. We are now living in Scottsdale, AZ. It got tooo. . . .cold in Wyoming plus COVID made us to decide to move closer to better healthcare. Luckily, we avoid the “too hot” summers by living up in cooler Flagstaff, AZ, just 140 miles north. Again, my condolences to you and your great family. Take care. ❤️
We love you very much. You were a rock for Mark as he fought to overcome Parkinson’s. Sally and John
Miss you so much, Opa. Thanks for being a great husband, friend and partner to my mom and a great Opa to my kids.
Kathy & Family
There are never adequate words of concern and sympathy to make this loss of a husband, father, grandfather and friend any easier. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and healing. Best, Karen Capell
I will forever miss his bear hug that I got after every pickleball match and evening out with the Melzers!! He always had to have a hug. Kathy, you and Mark got us through some very dark times in our life and I will forever be grateful to the love the two of you showed us. Love you!
Mark; You were a great friend back in the days. Always a smile, kind-hearted for everyone. Safe journey buddy. My sympathies to family. Mark was a great guy. His good deeds and countenance will live on in your hearts forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Mark certainly loved his family and was loyal to his friends. May all the wonderful memories give you comfort.
Love you Kath… both such a light of life & happiness.
Kathy Burns-Hoffman
Kathy and family so sorry for your loss. Mark and I were good friends in the days when he had his morris minor car. Never knew what he would think of next, but it always turned out to be a good time. He will be missed.
Dave Hill
My heart goes out to all of you. I remember Mark as being so nice and fun when I was over at the house. I know he was a great dad and grandpa, may his memory be a blessing.
My Sincere Condolences to the Melzer family sorry for your loss keeping you all in my prayers at this difficult time . Fr Maiona Gooding Charlotte and Sadie’s Nanny .
May you RIP Mark.
Bill & Patti Edison share in your sadness and loss of such a wonderful person. He’s seeing clouds from both sides now.
Always remember how much you are loved.
Sending you all my love, hugs and prayers.
I was impressed how long Mark kept playing pickleball after his Parkinson’s symptoms started. He seemed so happy to be playing and never seemed frustrated as his ability waned. He was a very special guy! I also have huge respect for you, Kathy, and how you encouraged him to play and keep doing things. Praying for you and your family as you adjust to this change in your lives.