Melvyn Lawrence Weissman Obituary (1932 - 2012)

Melvyn “Mel” Lawrence Weissman, 80, of Leawood, Kansas passed away at home on June 23, 2012 surrounded by his loving family and friends. Services will be held at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66209 at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday June 26 with burial following at Rose Hill Cemetery, 6900 Troost Avenue. Donations preferred to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, Animal Haven Animal Shelter, 9800 W. 67th St. Shawnee Mission, KS 66203 or Asera Care Hospice, 3320 Clinton Parkway Court, Suite 120, Lawrence, KS 66047. Born March 3, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY, Mel received a B.S. degree in Political Science from UCLA and moved to Kansas City to serve in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps. His graduate education included degrees in Nursing Home Administration from George Washington University, an Executive Development degree from Menninger Foundation, and a Masters degree in Social Gerontology from CMSU. Mel’s personal and professional contributions touched many. As chief Executive Officer of Shalom Geriatric Center from 1963-1997 he initiated innovative programs which help maintain quality of life and independence in aging. He served in wide ranging leadership positions; Commissioner of the Mid-American Area Agency on Aging Council; President, Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging, President of Elder Rights Coalition, Chair, MIssouri Association of Homes for the Aging, Adjunct Professor at Webster University Masters Program, Chair of Committee for the Prevention of elder Abuse, Missouri’s Governors Advisory Council on Aging. Mel received the Meritorious Service Award from the Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging. After his retirement he was a valued colleague and friend at Stark Edler Pharmacy. Mel will be remembered by his wife Carol, his family, friends and all who love him as a strong, kind, caring and loving gentlemen who touched each person he encountered. He lived with gratitude and without complaint regardless of the physical challenges he faced. His zest for life, positive attitude and concern for others leave a legacy. Mel is survived by his beloved wife Carol, brother Herb Weissman, Deborah DeBow, sister Joan and Fred Weisman, children Scott Weissman and Sharon Allen, Michael Weissman, Marty Devins Chaplick and Kevin Horvath, Sidney and Sally Devins, Jeff and Janis Steimer, and grandchildren, Rachel Berger, Sarah and Caleb Weissman, Alison, David, and Alexandra Chaplick, Lindsay, Erin, Mackenzie, and Skylar Devins, Jimmy and Marsha Steimer, Julie and Trevor Yakle, Michael Nolan and Andrew Towell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Tessie Weissman.