Janis Eloise Guest

Janis "Jan" Eloise Guest passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 in Dallas, TX. She was born August 16, 1933, and raised in Moultrie, GA. After graduating from high school, Jan was accepted into the American Airlines Stewardess College, based in Fort Worth, Texas.

A few short years later, Captain Lyle Paul Burgess was on a flight she was working and asked for her phone number. They fell in love and were married June 17, 1956, and together, they had Lyle Paul Burgess, Jr. and Melissa Montgomery Burgess. The family was stationed in Columbus, MS when Lyle was tragically killed in a midair refueling training mission on October 15, 1959.

Jan returned with her children to live in Fort Worth and remained active with the USAF community. It was at Carswell AFB that she met, fell in love with, and married Colonel Leonard M. Legge. The family was then stationed in Annandale, VA, Okinawa, Japan and Misawa, Japan. During their time in Japan, Jan and Lennie gave birth to daughter Lorri Jan Legge. While in Japan, Jan proudly served as the president of Kadena's Officers Wives Club. Sadly, Lennie died in 1970, while they were stationed in Misawa.

Jan again returned to Fort Worth where she earned a B.A. in Journalism from TCU and an MA in Criminal Justice from UTA. Years later, Jan fell in love with and married Patrick Deasy, who was also a proud veteran.

Jan pursued international travel with a passion, visiting many of the world's greatest wonders. Her love of journalism eventually culminated in her writing her memoir, The Unexpected Guest: A Surprising Journey.

Jan adored her four granddaughters, Elisabeth Burgess Legge, Austin Legge Crews, Jamie Lynn Thornton and Montanna O’Neil Thornton who each uniquely gave her the names, "Yiya", "Mimi", "Mudger" and "Mugas". And lastly, a great grandson, Eli Robert Paul Legge, who affectionately called her 'Great Grandmother Jan".

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lucas Funeral Home, Burleson, TX. No services are planned at this time. The family will gather later in the year to further celebrate and remember her life.

In honor of Jan’s life, online donations may be made to Soaring Spirits International (Click link to donate), a charity that supports widows, or checks may be mailed to Soaring Spirits International, Inc. 2828 Cochran St. #194, Simi Valley, CA 93065.