BURLINGAME, Kan. – Paul Ledgard, age 72, of Burlingame, Kan., passed away Nov. 14, 2023, at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kan. Paul was born Oct. 15, 1951, in McKeesport, Penn., the son of Walter Ledgard and Anna Mae (Bilak) Criado.

Paul grew up in the south suburban area of Pittsburgh, Penn., graduating from Elizabeth Forward High School with the class of 1969.

Paul worked for U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh in the late 1970s, eventually leaving to become a supervisor for Popeye’s Fried Chicken in New Orleans, La. In 1991 he moved to St. Louis, Mo., and was district manager for Steak ‘n Shake. In 2006 Paul purchased Heartland Steak ‘n Shake, and owned and operated the Topeka area and beyond Steak ‘n Shakes.

Paul was a wonderful business leader and entrepreneur. He was a mentor to many of his employees and was admired by everyone who worked with him. His professional life was very time consuming but when he had time, he loved traveling with his family. He was able to visit many places in the world including Africa, Japan, Australia, Italy, Germany, and Hawaii to name a few. Those trips were very rewarding and pleasing to Paul, especially sharing those moments with his family that he worked so hard to support. He was also an avid football fan, never missing a chance to cheer on his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers or the Kansas City Chiefs. He also loved NASCAR, especially Jeff Gordon. Many people in Burlingame also know he loved classic cars. His maroon 1949 Chevy pick-up was a favorite.

On Feb. 23, 1991, Paul was united in marriage to Cindy Stevener, in Wentzville, Mo. They celebrated their 32nd year of loving marriage.

Paul is survived by his wife, Cindy Ledgard, of the home; daughter, Alyson Collins and her husband, Erich, Elizabeth, Penn.; son, Paul Ledgard Jr. and his wife, Becca, Gardner, Kan.; stepson, Tyson Stevener and his wife, Carrie, New Melle, Mo.; three brothers, Jim Ledgard and his wife, Jean, Irwin, Penn., Dan Ledgard and his wife, Cindy, Denver, N.C., David Ledgard and his wife, Amy, Elizabeth, Penn.; half-brother, Ron Ledgard, Green, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Tressa Knight, Ryder Collins, Lucas Ledgard, Hayden Stevener, and Bennett Stevener.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Ledgard and Anna Mae Criado; stepfather, Alfonso Criado; and sister, Sandy Adams.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Federated Church of Burlingame, 322 S. Topeka Ave., Burlingame. The family will greet friends for visitation 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and will have visitation 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to Paul Ledgard Memorial Fund, and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 194, Burlingame, KS 66413. Condolences can be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.