Donald E. Ledford

Donald E. Ledford passed away June 3, 2021 in Topeka, Kansas. Don was born on December 24, 1929 to Glenn E. and Cora Ledford in Carlyle, KS.

Don spent his early childhood in Turner and Merriam, KS. His high school years were spent at Shawnee Mission Rural until his senior year, when his family moved to ElDorado Springs, Missouri. He spent his senior year at and graduated from ElDorado Springs High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Virginia Bland.

Don and Virginia were married in July 1947. He began his career as a Hoisting Engineer at Belger Cartage and Haggard Hauling and Rigging in Kansas City, MO.

In 1973, he and Virginia became owners of the Western Auto Store in Eldon, MO until 1975, when they moved back to Overland Park. In 1978, he and Virginia bought the Oklahoma Tire and Supply in ElDorado Springs. They moved back to Kansas City, KS in 1980. Don resumed his original job until 1989.

Don and family were members of St. Mark's Methodist Church until they moved to Eldon. Don was preceded in death by his mother and father; a sister and brother-in-law; his mother-in-law and father-in-law (Mabel and Virgil Bland), sister-in-law and brother-in-law; three nieces and son-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of almost 74 years, and his daughters, Linda Bacon of Denver, and Janice Sell (Steven) of Scranton, KS. He also left behind three loving grandchildren–Scott Bacon (Kathi) of Sacramento, Virginia Bacon (Mike Brind) of Denver, and Ashley "Liz" Epp (Justin) of Topeka, KS, along with three great-granddaughters: Cassidy, Everlee and Martina.

No services are planned. If you would like, donations may be sent to the hospice chapter that cared for him at Elara Caring; 901 NE River Rd #101; Topeka, KS 66616 in memory of Donald E. Ledford.