Mark E. Melzer

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.