Melissa Burgess was born January 16, 1982 to Terry Dale Furgason and Phyllis Ann (Hall) Furgason in Amarillo, Texas. Melissa’s mother, Phyllis, married Kent McCarter, her loving stepdad, on Feb. 18, 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 First United Methodist Church in Liberal, 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 children 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 Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Melissa is survived by her husband Travis; three children: Maddison Rose Burgess of Lancaster, Calif., Kylie Grace, and Lane Ryan; mother, Phyllis McCarter and husband, Kent; sister, Kristy Mansell and husband, Brian of Liberal; father-in-law, Keith Burgess and mother-in-law, Freida Burgess of Farnsworth, Texas; brother-in-law, Dallas Burgess and wife, Shawna of Shattuck, Okla.; four nieces: Mackenzie Mansell, Dallas Mayhew, and Tristyn and Dawsyn Burgess; maternal grandmother, Willa Hall; and paternal grandfather, Ennis McCarter.
She was preceded in death by her father, Terry Dale Furgason; grandfather, Eugene Hall; paternal grandparents, Keith and Marlen Cunningham; step-grandmother, Fayetta McCarter; uncle, Doyle Furgason; aunts, Rose Bushell, and Bess McCarter; and sister-in-law, Nicole Mayhew.
o Viewing will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Miller Mortuary in Liberal, with the family present to greet friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church in Liberal, with Pastor Tyler Prater presiding.
Burial will follow at the Liberal City Cemetery in Liberal.
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.
Paid obituary
