Melissa Burgess was born on January 16, 1982 to Terry Dale Furgason and
Phyllis Ann (Hall) Furgason in Amarillo, TX.
Melissa’s mother Phyllis married Kent McCarter, her loving step dad on February
18th 1989 in Liberal and Melissa immediately became “his girl”. Melissa attended
USD 480 schools and enjoyed an active childhood. Melissa was active in dance,
volleyball, and basketball. Melissa graduated from Liberal High School in 2000
and attended college at Seward County Community College and Wichita State
University. While in college at Seward Melissa was active as a Saints
cheerleader. During college, Melissa met the love of her life Travis Burgess.
On June 18, 2005 she married Travis at United Methodist Church in Liberal, KS
and began raising her family. Melissa and Travis had three children Maddison
Rose, Kylie Grace and Lane Ryan.
The Family returned to Liberal and Melissa began working for the United States
Postal Service where she has worked for the last 12 years. Melissa prided
herself as a hard worker. Melissa loved her jobs and always strived to be social
with her patron and on her route making friends and always brightening
everyone’s day with her beautiful smile and laughter.
Melissa was a devoted mother who loved spending every minute with her kids
and husband. Melissa became an avid outdoorswoman hunting, fishing, hiking
and golfing with her husband and her children. Melissa loved helping the kids
with their show animals and learning about life in the country. Melissa and Travis
enjoyed travel together taking several family vacations and couples trips to
explore and experience the best things together. Melissa was a selfless beautiful
woman who her family adored and loved to spoil every chance they got.
Melissa accepted Jesus as her savior on April 26, 2011 and served as an active
member with her family at Fellowship Baptist Church in the children’s ministries,
nursery ministries and with VBS for several years. Melissa was very proud of her
church family and loved how much they helped and supported her children.
Melissa passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Wesley Medical Center in
Wichita, KS.
Melissa is survived by her husband Travis, Two Daughters, Maddison Rose
Burgess of Lancaster, CA, Kylie; Son, Lane; Mother Phyllis McCarter and
Husband Kent, Sister, Kristy Mansell and husband Brian of Liberal, KS;
Father in Law, Keith Burgess, and Mother in Law, Freida Burgess of Farnsworth, TX;
Brother in law, Dallas Burgess and wife Shawna of Shattuck, OK. 4 Nieces, Mackenzie
Mansell, Dallas Mayhew, Tristyn and Dawsyn Burgess. Maternal Grandmother
Willa Hall and Paternal Grandfather Ennis McCarter.
She was preceded in death by Father, Terry Dale Furgason, Grandfather Eugene
Hall, Paternal Grandparents Keith and Marlen Cunningham, Step grandmother
Fayetta McCarter,Uncle Doyle Furgason, Aunt Rose Bushell, Aunt Bess
McCarter and sister in law Nicole Mayhew.
Viewing will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm with her family
present to greet friends from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Miller Mortuary, Liberal,
Kansas.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, 10:30 am at the
Fellowship Baptist Church, with Pastor Tyler Prater, officiating.
Burial will follow in the Liberal City Cemetery.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Melissa Burgess’ Children’s Education Fund
and Fellowship Baptist Academy in care of Miller Mortuary, PO Box 826 Liberal, KS 67905-0826.
Friends may leave condolences to the family through Melissa’s tribute web page
at www.millermortuary.net.
