Melvin A. Kahn, Ph.D.
November 17, 1930 ~ September 13, 2023
Professor Emeritus Melvin A. Kahn, 92, Wichita State University Professor of Political Science for over 50 years, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023.Graveside Service will be at 11:00 am, Monday, September 18, 2023, at Old Mission Cemetery.Preceded in death by his mother, Hannah Kahn; wife, H. Joan Kahn; daughter, Miriam Sichel.Survived by his dear friend, Julie Tretbar; daughter, Sharonah "Shari" Beth (Dr. Bruce) Greenberg of Chicago, IL; son, David (Carol) Kahn of Houston, TX; brother, Daniel Kahn of Yakima, WA; grandchildren, Aaron (Jenn) Greenberg, Jordan (Lauren) Greenberg, Hannah Kahn, Mara Greenberg, Ryan Kahn, Jacob Sichel, Adam Sichel, Ethan Sichel; son-in-law, Larry Sichel of Raleigh, NC; great-grandchildren, Benjamin "Benji" Greenberg, Leah Rose Greenberg.Melvin had a long and illustrious career, during which time he received many honors and accolades. Most notably, he received the Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, the WSU Mortar Board Teaching Recognition Award in 2012, the WSU Academy of Excellence Teaching Award in 2007, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education - Carnegie Foundation Kansas Professor of the Year in 1989, and the Regents’ Award for Excellence in Teaching, WSU, in 1982. He also published two books throughout his career: The Politics of American Labor: The Indiana Microcosm in 1970 and The Winning Ticket: Daley, The Machine, and Illinois Politics in 1984. Melvin was actively involved in supporting the Democratic Party. In 2000 he was a Delegate at the Democratic National Convention and in 2004 he was a member of the Platform Committee at the Democratic National Convention. During elections, he gave many talks and appeared in over 190 newspaper, radio, and TV interviews dating back to 1985. He was also a political analyst for KMUW-FM from 1988-2008.Outside of the classroom, Melvin served his community in many different areas. From 1970-1972 he was a member of the Urban Planning Board, a part of the Wichita Housing Subcommittee. In 1982 he received the “Good Apple Award for Outstanding Service” from Wichita Public Schools. Melvin was also a member of the Wichita Downtown Lions Club from 1978-present, including serving as President from 2011-2012 and receiving the Lion of the Year award in both 1982 and 1994.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Circle of Friends c/o Larksfield Place, 7373 E. 29th St. N., Wichita, KS 67226.Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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Dr. Kahn and his family were great to everyone.
Dr. Kahn organized our team and got us our biddy basketball coach , Pete…
His family actually introduced me to tennis after a basketball practice, which I am forever grateful for them introducing me to the sport.
Rest in Peace,
Thomas W. Owens, Jr
While attending Indiana State, I had Dr Kahn for Political Science. By far, the best professor in my entire college career! Everyone on campus tried to get into his classes! He was a great influence on my life and I followed his career through the years.
Joseph Speth
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Mel was a great instructor who challenged students from the first lecture through the final exam. He had a catalogue of alter egos that he would roll out with relish so you could debate with Plato or Reagan. He took several of us one afternoon to visit with his mentor, one Earl Johnson, to discuss whether or not formal academic education was worth it. Never occurred to me to ponder that point before that interesting reminiscing with his own favorite teacher. I had a half dozen classes with him where we would read a book a week and argue about it for four hours on a Thursday afternoon. One class was so into this approach that Mel and Joann invited us all to dinner at his house twenty-five years later for a recap of those great discussions. He assigned a book and chapters to all five of us who made it to this unique post-grad gathering and we were immediately back to arguing like teenagers. It was extraordinary, as was he. He reminded us-in the words of Plutarch-that `the mind is a fire to be lit, not a vessel to be filled.´ My mind is filled with admiration, gratitude, and happiness that I had the chance to learn from this great scholar.
I knew of Mel through my own mother, Ermalee Skillman, who also worked on social justice issues in Wichita. Perhaps they worked on fair housing together. Many thanks for his legacy of good works.
I worked with Dr Kahn at Wichita State University and enjoyed our many diverse conversations. He will be greatly missed around the campus. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who loved him.
Steve Easley