Stephen Gary Bliss

Stephen Gary Bliss of Smithville, Missouri passed away on June 7, 2026, at the age of 76. He was born on August 22, 1949, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Robert and Corinne Bliss. Steve spent his youth between Kansas City and Hermosa Beach, California. He graduated from Wyandotte High School and soon after entered the Kansas City, Missouri Police Academy. He proudly served as a KCMO Police Officer for 25 years. During that time, Steve also held roles as a DOT Inspector and the Head of Security for Greyhound Bus Lines.

In 1982, Steve met Karen, the love of his life, and they were married in 1985. They proudly raised a beautiful family of four children: Steve’s daughters, Celeste and Kim, and their sons, Kyle and Cody. Over the years, their love multiplied, and the family has since grown to include seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

Steve lived by the mindset that he could achieve anything he put his mind to. Alongside his career in law enforcement, he was a talented auto body repairman and painter. Following his retirement, Steve and Karen purchased property in Smithville. Taking on the role of general contractor, Steve built their home with the help of family and friends. They resided there for the next 22 years and it is still family-owned today. His strong work ethic and deep dedication to his family were evident in everything he took on.

Steve lived an active life; some of his favorite activities included singing, entertaining, beach vacations, scuba diving, snow skiing, and sitting around big bonfires with family and friends.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Karen Gail Bliss. He is also survived by his children: Celeste Beth Bliss (Matthew) De Leon, Kimberly Nicole Bliss Goeden, Stephen Kyle (Rebecca) Bliss, and Cody Delane Bliss; his seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his brother, Mark Delane Bliss; and his sisters, Deborah Dawn Meyer and Rebecca Corinne Bliss.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, Robert Delane Bliss; his mother, Corinne Vivian (Barnhart) Bliss; and his brothers, Robert Michael Bliss and Rodney Wade Bliss.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 27, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Vineyard Church, located at 12300 Arrowhead Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64165. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Stephen’s life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to Gower Convalescent Center in Gower, MO or Freudenthal Hospice in St. Joseph, MO. A donation basket will be available during the Celebration of Life Service.