Frances "Lynette" Burkhart

Frances Lynette Burkhart, 75 of Paola, Kansas, passed away February 26, 2026, in Olathe, KS.

Frances Lynette Beck was born December 5, 1950, in Weston, MO to Albert Nola and Lillian (Boyd) Beck. Raised in Weston, MO, Lynette was a 1968 graduate of West Platte High School. After graduation, she attended Kansas City Business School and received a secretarial degree. She soon moved to California and worked at several business offices in the state. In the late 1970’s, she returned to the Kansas City area where she met and married Dennis Burkhart. The two made their home in Hillsdale, Kansas until the mid-80’s. Lynette returned to California later, working in multiple places of business. In the early 1990’s, she moved back to KCMO to work as an office manager for a local dry cleaner in Lee’s Summit, MO.

Soon afterwards, she relocated to Paola, KS and began working with Walter Burkhart as an office manager for his company, Allstate Asbestos Specialty Inc. She displayed an early aptitude for the construction business and worked alongside Walter, where she made significant contributions to the company's success. The two were married on March 4, 2004, and continued working together in the construction business, later establishing W.E.B. Contracting. Following Walter's untimely death in 2006, Lynette took the reins of W.E.B. Contracting and steered the company forward as a woman-owned business. As a member of many Women’s Business Associations, she worked on multiple projects supporting Women’s business, affordable health care legislation, and youth mentorship programs. She was honored with several awards through multiple Kansas City Small Business Associations. In honor of Walter, she challenged the Veterans Administration resulting in the VA acceptance of the link between Agent Orange exposure and esophageal throat cancer. She was greatly respected by her colleagues and employees.

Lynette was known for her unwavering love for animals and her commitment to providing them with safe, loving homes. She also had a deep passion for horses and riding. As a dedicated volunteer, she contributed to S & S Stables, helping to organize and lead trail rides around Hillsdale Lake. She worked tirelessly with Hillsdale State Park clearing trails, establishing new trails, making campground improvements. She supported fundraising efforts in Topeka for trail maintenance, Park access and funding. Lynette served as an officer for Backcountry Horseman Saddle Ridge chapter. The pets she is leaving behind will also miss her.

Among her many adventures, Lynette achieved a remarkable milestone by securing 2nd place in a camel race held in Virginia City, and fulfilling a bucket list goal. Lynette had a zest for life and a faith in Jesus. Her family and friends were dear to her, and she loved spending time with them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Vernon Beck and her husband, Walter E. Burkhart.

Survivors include:Her sister, Vivian (Ray) Dissette of CA, Her sister-in-law, Susan Beck of KS. Her nephew, Andrew (Shannon) Beck along with their children, Colton and Corinne of MO. Her niece, Melissa (Joshua) Taylor, along with their children, Jack and Adelaide of NV. Her Stepdaughter and Son-in-law, Leslie and David Madden and her grandchildren, Delaney (Aaron) Duncan, Drake Madden, Reed Madden, Pierce Madden and Bretley Madden of KS.

She will be missed by her family and many special friends as well, whom she considered her extended family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 10 to 11am with funeral services following at 11am, all at Dengel and Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel.. Memorials may be made to the Heartland Community Foundation https://heartstringscf.org/