Melvin J. Mel Saffier

Saffier, Melvin J. “Mel”, son of Koppel J. (Jake) Saffier and Anna Resnick Saffier was born on June 9, 1919, and passed away on November 14, 2012, at age 93. Devoted husband, father, and grandfather, business owner, gemologist, and gifted woodworker, he was a lifelong resident of Wichita. During World War II he served in the Army Air Corps stateside as a flight instructor. Many Wichitans will remember “Mel” fondly as the Jeweler that sold them their engagement and wedding rings. Originally owner of Crown Jewelers at the corner of Douglas and Main in downtown Wichita, he later owned and managed Giant Jewelers in the Wichita Giant East and Giant West Department Stores and in Santa Fe and Las Cruces, New Mexico, as well as Park Lane Jewelers, along with his partner and great friend, Carl Galler. Mel had a passion for woodworking that began as a young boy. Friends and family cherish the many chests, chairs, cabinets, tables and jewelry boxes he lovingly created for them and their children. He was a member of the Sunflower Woodworkers Guild and made many great friends among his fellow enthusiasts. Mel was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Dr. Sherman Saffier, and his beloved wife, Annabelle Levand Saffier. He is survived by his sister, Regina Shein, daughters Linda R. Saffier and Donna Saffier Sher, son -in-law Martin Sher and grandson Jay R. Sher, sister-in-law Jeanne (Mrs. Sherman) Saffier, and his many nieces, nephews and cousins. It can be said of Mel that he truly enjoyed his friends and he was a friend. The family wants to especially thank Norman Fine and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Lentz for being there for Mel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, 608 W Douglas Ave #100, Wichita, KS 67203. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.