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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K


[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 1997
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the Transition Period from to
Commission File Number 2-40764


KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


Missouri 44-0308260
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification Number)


3520 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri 64111-2565
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)


Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: 816-753-7000


SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

Name of Each Exchange on
Title of Each Class Which Registered

None None

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

None
(Title of Class)


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes X No

As of February 27, 1998, 6,196,102 shares of the Company's capital stock
par value $2.50 were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the common
stock (based upon the average bid and asked price according to Company records)
of Kansas City Life Insurance Company held by non-affiliates was approximately
$181,044,401.
Part II


Documents Incorporated by Reference

Item 5: Market for Registrant's Common Page 33 of Annual Report to
Equity and Related Stockholder Shareholders for the year
Matters. ended December 31, 1997.

Item 6: Selected Financial Data. Page 14 of Annual Report to
Shareholders for the year
ended December 31, 1997.

Item 7: Management's Discussion Pages 12 through 15 of Annual
and Analysis of Financial Report to Shareholders for
Condition and Results of the year ended December 31,
Operations. 1997.

Item 8: Financial Statements and Pages 16 through 29 of Annual
Supplementary Data. Report to Shareholders for
the year ended December 31,
997.



Part IV

Index to Exhibits Page 15





PART I


Item 1. BUSINESS

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (KCL) was incorporated under the
assessment laws of Missouri in 1895 as the Bankers Life Association. In 1900,
its present corporate title was adopted and it was reorganized as a legal
reserve company in 1903. The Company operates nationwide, being licensed in 48
states and the District of Columbia.

The Company primarily operates in a single business segment: individual
life insurance and annuity products. A general agency distribution system is
employed. Nearly 86% of statutory premiums are derived from individual life
insurance and annuities on a consolidated basis. Interest sensitive products,
universal life and flexible annuities, comprise the vast majority of these
premiums. Individual life insurance and annuities accounted for 90% of new
statutory premiums in 1997. KCL introduced its first variable annuity in late
1995 and its first variable universal life product in January, 1996. Together
these products totaled 30% of new statutory premiums in 1997.

KCL has two wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries, Sunset Life
Insurance Company of America (Sunset) and Old American Insurance Company (OAIC).
Sunset was acquired in 1974. Headquartered in Olympia, Washington, Sunset
operates in 21 states, principally west of the Mississippi. California provides
one-third of its statutory premiums. The Company offers products similar to
KCL's and sells through personal producing general agents. OAIC was acquired in
1991 and its operations, excluding marketing, have been merged into KCL's home
office and administrative and accounting systems. OAIC operates in 46 states,
primarily selling relatively small policies to the senior market to cover
funeral and other final expenses.

KCL and its subsidiaries are subject to state regulations in their states
of domicile and in the states in which they do business. Although the federal
government generally does not regulate the business of insurance, federal
initiatives often have an impact on the business in a variety of ways including
the taxation of insurance companies and the tax treatment of insurance products.

KCL and OAIC respectively have 501 and 85 full time employees who are
located in KCL's home office. Sunset has 103 full time employees located in
Olympia, Washington.

The Company is engaged in a crowded, competitive industry, competing with
1,500 to 2,000 other life insurance companies in the United States. The industry
is highly competitive with respect to pricing, selection of products and quality
of service. No single competitor nor any small group of competitors dominates
any of the markets in which the Company operates.


Item 2. PROPERTIES

Kansas City Life's home office is located at 3520 Broadway in Kansas City,
Missouri. The Company owns and wholly occupies two five story buildings on an
eight acre site.

Sunset owns and wholly occupies a two story office building at 3200
Capitol Boulevard in Olympia, Washington. The building is situated on four acres
of land.

Kansas City Life owns various other properties held for investment.


Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In January, 1998, the Oklahoma Supreme Court refused to rehear its prior
decision which held that the Company was not liable for any portion of a
punitive and compensatory damage award against its agent. The case, Nita
Charlene Pelter Cox and Verna Leanne Pelter Graybill, Personal Representatives
of the Estate of Leora Pearl Pelter, Deceased, Plaintiffs, vs. Kansas City Life
Insurance Company and Billy D. Stearman, Defendants, arose out of certain
alleged actions by Stearman, a former agent. In January, 1996, a division of the
Oklahoma Appellate Court reduced a prior $10.7 million judgment against the
Company to $1.3 million which the Company has accrued. Subsequently, an Oklahoma
District Court judge ruled that the Company was also responsible for $2.5
million of a separate judgment rendered against the agent in the same case. The
Oklahoma Supreme Court reversed the $2.5 million judgment against the Company
and resolved all major issues in this matter.

In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in
lawsuits including class action lawsuits related to life insurance pricing and
sales practices. These so-called "vanishing premium" cases typically contain
allegations that an interest-sensitive policy was sold with a projection that
the policy would be paid up or become self-sustaining after a period of years.
In late December, 1997, the Company was served as a defendant in a lawsuit filed
in United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa
Division. The case, Patricia A. Adams, Kevin J. Palamarchuck and Karolynne K.
Palamarchuck, On Behalf of Themselves and All Others Similarly Situated vs.
Kansas City Life Insurance Company, claims unspecified compensatory and punitive
damages as a result of an alleged nationwide fraudulent scheme by the Company
and its agents involving deceptive sales practices including "vanishing premium"
claims. The plaintiffs, former policyowners, purport to represent themselves and
all others who were induced by deceptive sales practices to purchase permanent
life insurance from the Company. Management denies the allegations, including
the existence of a legitimate class and believes that full and appropriate
disclosure was made as a matter of practice. Management intends to defend this
suit vigorously. The litigation is in early procedural stages and plaintiffs
have not yet moved for class certification. The amount of any liability which
may arise as a result of this case cannot be reasonably estimated, and no
provision for loss has been made in the Company's financial statements. However,
there can be no assurance that this case or any future litigation relating to
sales practices will not have a material effect on the Company.

In addition to the above, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are
defendants in lawsuits involving claims and disputes with policyowners that may
include claims seeking punitive damages. Some of these lawsuits arise in
jurisdictions where juries sometime award punitive damages grossly
disproportionate to the actual damages. Although no assurances can be given and
no determinations can be made at this time as to the outcome of any particular
lawsuit or proceeding, the Company and its subsidiaries believe that there are
meritorious defenses for these claims and are defending them vigorously. In the
opinion of management, the amounts that would ultimately be paid, if any, are
not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated results of
operations and financial position.


Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.


PART II


Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Incorporated by Reference.




Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Incorporated by Reference.


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Incorporated by Reference.


Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Incorporated by Reference.


Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not Applicable.


PART III


Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The following information, as of December 31, 1997, is provided with
respect to each Director:

Term as
Director Served as
Expires Other Positions Director
Name of Director Age in April with the Company From

W. E. Bixby (1)(2)(3) 65 1998 Vice Chairman of the 1966
Board and President

Jack D. Hayes (1)(3) 57 1998 Senior Vice President, 1995
Marketing

Francis P. Lemery 58 1998 Senior Vice President 1985
(1)(2)(3) and Actuary

Michael J. Ross 56 1998 None 1972
(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)

Elizabeth T. Solberg 58 1998 None 1997
(3)(6)

W. E. Bixby, III (6) 39 1999 None 1996

Webb R. Gilmore 53 1999 None 1990
(2)(4)(5)(6)

Nancy Bixby Hudson (6) 45 1999 None 1996

Daryl D. Jensen (6) 58 1999 None 1978

C. John Malacarne 56 1999 Vice President, 1991
(1)(2) General Counsel
and Secretary
Term as
Director Served as
Expires Other Positions Director
Name of Director Age in April with the Company From

J. R. Bixby (1)(2) 72 2000 Chairman of the Board 1957

R. Philip Bixby 44 2000 Executive Vice President 1985
(1)(2)

Richard L. Finn 56 2000 Senior Vice President, 1983
(1)(2) Finance

Warren J. Hunzicker, M.D. 77 2000 None 1989
(6)

Larry Winn, Jr. 78 2000 None 1985
(2)(4)(5)(6)

(1) See below with respect to the business experience of executive officers of
the Company.

(2) Member of Executive Committee.

(3) Subject to the approval of the shareholders at the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held on April 23, 1998, will be elected for a three
year term ending in 2001.

(4) Member of Audit Committee.

(5) Member of Compensation Committee.

(6) W. E. Bixby, III was elected Assistant Vice President of the
Company in 1985, Vice President, Marketing in 1990, Vice President,
Marketing Operations in 1992, and President of Old American, a subsidiary,
in 1996. He also serves as a Director of Sunset Life and Old
American,subsidiaries. Mr. Gilmore is a partner in the law firm of Gilmore
& Bell. Nancy Bixby Hudson has served as a Director of Sunset Life, a
subsidiary, since 1986. Dr. Hunzicker was elected by the Board of Directors
to an unexpired term in 1989. Dr. Hunzicker served as the Company's Medical
Director from 1987 to 1989; he formerly served as a member of the Company's
Board of Directors from 1977 to 1980. Mr. Jensen has been President of
Sunset Life Insurance Company of America, a subsidiary of Registrant, since
1973. Mr. Ross has been President of Jefferson Bank and Trust Company, St.
Louis, Missouri, since 1971 and was elected Chairman of the Board in 1983.
Mrs. Solberg is Executive Vice President and Senior Partner of
Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., a position she has held since 1984. Mr. Winn is
retired as the Kansas Third District Representative to the U.S. Congress.

Name, Age and Business Experience Position During Past 5 Years

J. R. Bixby, 72 Chairman since 1972; President from 1964 until he
Chairman of the Board retired in April, 1990. Responsible for overall
corporate policy. Director of Sunset Life and Old
American, subsidiaries.

W. E. Bixby, 65 Vice Chairman of the Board since 1974; elected
Vice Chairman of the Executive Vice President in January, 1987; and
Board President, President and CEO and CEO in
April, 1990. Primarily responsible for
the operation of the Company. Chairman of the Board
of Sunset Life and Old American, subsidiaries.




Name, Age and Business Experience
Position During Past 5 Years

R. Philip Bixby, 44 Elected Assistant Secretary in 1979; Assistant Vice
Executive Vice President President in 1982; Vice President in 1984; Senior
Vice President, Operations in 1990; and to present
position in 1996. Director of Sunset Life and Old
American, subsidiaries.

Richard L. Finn, 56 Elected Vice President in 1976; Financial Vice
Senior Vice President, President in 1983; and to present position in 1984.
Finance Chief financial officer and responsible for
investment of the Company's funds, accounting and
taxes. Director and Treasurer of Sunset Life and
Director, Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer and Assistant Treasurer of Old American,
subsidiaries.

Jack D. Hayes, 57 Elected Senior Vice President, Marketing in
Senior Vice President, February 1994. Responsible for Marketing,
Marketing Marketing Administration, Communications and Public
Relations. Served as Executive Vice President and
Chief Marketing Officer of Fidelity Union Life,
Dallas, Texas, from June, 1981 to January, 1994.

Francis P. Lemery, 58 Elected Vice President in 1979; Vice President and
Senior Vice President Actuary in 1980; and to present position in 1984.
Actuary Responsible for Group Insurance Department,
Actuarial Services, State Compliance, New Business
and Underwriting. Director of Sunset Life and Old
American, subsidiaries.

Robert C. Miller, 51 Elected Assistant Auditor in 1972; Auditor in 1973;
Senior Vice President, Vice President and Auditor in 1987; and to present
Administrative Services position in 1991. Responsible for Human Resources
and Home Office building and maintenance.

Charles R. Duffy, Jr., 50 Elected Vice President, Computer Information
Senior Vice President, Services in 1989; Vice President, Insurance Admini-
Operations stration in 1992; and to present position in 1996.
Responsible for the Company's Computer Operations,
Customer Services, Claims, Premium Collection and
Agency Administration. Director of Sunset Life and
Old American, subsidiaries.

John K. Koetting, 52 Elected Assistant Controller in 1975; and to
Vice President and present position in 1980. Chief accounting officer
Controller responsible for all corporate accounting reports.
Director of Old American, a subsidiary.

C. John Malacarne, 56 Elected Associate General Counsel in 1976; General
Vice President, General Counsel in 1980; Vice President and General Counsel
Counsel and Secretary in 1981; and to present position in 1991.
Responsible for Legal Department, Office of the
Secretary, Stock Transfer Department and Market
Compliance. Director and Secretary of Sunset Life
and Old American, subsidiaries.

(d) J. R. Bixby, Chairman of the Board, and W. E. Bixby, Vice Chairman of
the Board and President, are brothers. Nancy Bixby Hudson is the daughter of J.
R. Bixby; R. Philip Bixby and W. E. Bixby, III are the sons of W. E. Bixby.

(e) See Business Experience During Past 5 Years above.

(f) There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal
proceedings and no judgments or injunctions material to the evaluation of the
ability and integrity of any Director, nominee or executive officer during the
past five years.


Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

(a) Compensation

The following table sets forth information concerning cash compensation
paid or accrued by the Company and its subsidiaries to the Chief Executive
Officer and the other four most highly paid executive officers as of December
31, 1997 for the fiscal years ending December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

Long Term Other All
Annual Compensation Incentive Annual Other
Compensa- Compen- Compen-
Name and Salary Bonus tion Payouts sation sation
Principal Position Year $ $ $ $ $

W. E. Bixby, Vice 1997 445,800 400 374,976 7,000 61,575
Chairman of the 1996 416,640 58,042 0 7,000 55,586
Board, President and 1995 396,780 143,344 0 7,000 52,903
CEO, Kansas City Life;
Chairman of the Board
of Sunset Life and Old
American, subsidiaries.

R. L. Finn, Senior 1997 212,160 400 151,560 7,000 25,540
Vice President, 1996 202,080 28,336 0 5,500 24,305
Finance and Director, 1995 193,380 52,231 0 5,000 21,835
Kansas City Life;
Director of Sunset
Life and Old American,
subsidiaries.

F. P. Lemery, Senior 1997 212,160 400 151,560 7,000 25,540
Vice President and 1996 202,080 28,336 0 7,000 24,305
Actuary and Director, 1995 193,380 52,232 0 7,000 23,239
Kansas City Life;
Director of Sunset
Life and Old American,
subsidiaries.

D. D. Jensen, Director,1997 193,200 18,097 138,000 6,000 23,217
Kansas City Life; Vice 1996 184,000 29,515 0 6,000 22,090
Chairman of the Board 1995 176,190 35,275 0 6,000 21,133
and President, Sunset
Life, subsidiary.

R. P. Bixby, Execu- 1997 284,700 400 132,660 4,750 29,820
tive Vice President 1996 176,880 12,081 0 4,000 18,488
and Director, Kansas 1995 169,260 34,400 0 4,000 17,687
City Life; Director of
Sunset Life and Old
American, subsidiaries.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

The amounts shown above reflect payouts in 1997 under the Company's Long
Term Incentive Plan for the performance period of January 1, 1994 through
December 31, 1996. The plan covers eight senior executives, including those
named above. For plan participants to receive an award, Kansas City Life
statutory capital and surplus had to be maintained at a minimum of 9% of assets
over the three year period. The award is a percent of salary based on achieving
specified levels of return on equity with certain adjustments over the three
year period.

ALL OTHER COMPENSATION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

The Company has a contributory Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k)
savings and investment plan. Directors and officers who are full time employees
of the Registrant or its subsidiaries participate in the plan on the same basis
as all other employees. Employees may contribute from 1% to 10% of their monthly
base salary. Highly compensated employees are limited to contributions of 6%.
The Company contributes an amount equal to the employee contributions in the
form of capital stock of the Company. The Company contributed $9,000 to the plan
for the accounts of the named individuals in 1995 and 1996 and $9,500 in 1997.

The Company has adopted a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for
approximately 58 highly compensated officers and employees. It is similar to
the Company's 401(k) plan. Participants contribute amounts to this plan that
they cannot contribute to the 401(k) plan up to a total of 10% of their monthly
salary and the Company contributes an equal amount. The amount contributed to
the plan for fiscal years 1995, 1996 and 1997 respectively for the accounts of
the named individuals are as follows: W. E. Bixby, $30,678, $32,664, $35,080;
R. L. Finn, $10,338, $11,208, $11,716; F. P. Lemery, $10,338, $11,208, $11,716;
D. D. Jensen, $8,619, $9,400, $9,820; R. P. Bixby, $7,926, $8,688, $18,970.

The Company provides yearly renewable term insurance to its employees in
the amount of 2 1/2 times their annual salary. Directors and officers who are
full time employees participate in the program on the same basis as all other
employees. Premiums paid for the named individuals for fiscal years 1995, 1996
and 1997 respectively are as follows: W. E. Bixby, $13,225, $13,922, $16,995;
R. L. Finn, $2,497, $4,097, $4,324; F. P. Lemery, $3,901, $4,097, $4,324; D. D.
Jensen, $3,514, $3,690, $3,897; R. P. Bixby, $761, $800, $1,350.

(f) Defined Benefit or Actuarial Plan Disclosure

The following table illustrates the possible annual pension benefits upon
completion of the indicated years of service with the five year average salary
for all officers and employees. Benefits are calculated on a straight life
annuity basis. The Social Security offset and benefit has been estimated.

PENSION PLAN TABLE

Compensation Years of Service SS**

10 20 30 40

$ 75,000 $ 18,750 $ 37,500 $ 51,948* $ 51,948* $16,104
100,000 25,000 50,000 70,000 71,948* 16,104
125,000 31,250 62,500 87,500 91,948* 16,104
150,000 37,500 75,000 105,000 111,948* 16,104
200,000 50,000 100,000 140,000 151,948* 16,104
250,000 62,500 125,000 175,000 191,948* 16,104
300,000 75,000 150,000 210,000 231,948* 16,104
350,000 87,500 175,000 245,000 271,948* 16,104
400,000 100,000 200,000 280,000 311,948* 16,104
450,000 112,500 225,000 315,000 351,948* 16,104
500,000 125,000 250,000 350,000 391,948* 16,104

*Maximum pension based on an estimate of Social Security.
**Estimated annual Social Security benefit at age 65.

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan which covers
all full time employees age 21 and over. A participant's retirement benefit is
determined by multiplying his or her highest average annual salary for five
consecutive years, from the last ten years of his or her employment, by a
percentage determined from the participant's total years of service from that
participant's 21st birthdate. The participant's percentage is determined by
multiplying 2 1/2% for each of the participant's years of service up to the
first twenty years, 2% for each year of service for the next ten years, and 1%
for each year of the next ten. A participant's benefit may not exceed 80% of
such average salary reduced by 1/2 of his or her Social Security benefit. Early
retirement benefits are available after age 55, depending upon years of service
and age. Benefits are fully vested after five years of service following a
participant's 18th birthdate.

Effective January 1, 1998, the pension plan was converted to a cash
balance plan. Benefits under the plan will no longer be determined primarily by
final average compensation and years of service. Participants who were age 55 or
older with 15 or more years of service on December 31, 1997 can receive the
greater of the cash balance benefit or the benefit the participant would have
accrued had the prior plan remained in effect.

A participant's base salary not to exceed $150,000 (as adjusted for cost of
living) commencing January 1, 1994, was used to determine compensation under the
plan. For the individuals named in the Cash Compensation Table, the years of
service covered by the plan for the year ended December 31, 1997, were: W. E.
Bixby, 40 years; R. L. Finn, 23 years; F. P. Lemery, 37 years; D. D. Jensen, 31
years; R. P. Bixby, 20 years.

The Company has adopted an unfunded excess benefit plan which covers any
employee who is an active participant in the noncontributory defined benefit
pension plan and whose pension benefit under that plan would exceed the maximum
benefit limited under Internal Revenue Code Section 415. A participant under
this plan is entitled to a monthly benefit of the difference between the maximum
monthly normal, early, or deferred vested retirement benefit determined without
regard to the Internal Revenue Code Section 415 limitation and the monthly
equivalent of the maximum benefit permitted by Internal Revenue Code Section
415.

(g) Compensation of Directors

Outside Directors are paid $4,000 quarterly; $2,000 if they attend Special
Board Meetings; $1,000 if they attend Executive Committee Meetings; $500 if they
attend all other Committee Meetings. Inside Directors are paid $1,000 quarterly
and $400 if they attend Special Board Meetings. J. R. Bixby, Chairman of the
Board, is paid $30,000 quarterly. Directors of Sunset Life, a subsidiary, are
paid $500 quarterly and Directors of Old American are paid $250 quarterly.
Director fees are included in the Compensation Table.

(h) Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change in
Control Arrangements

There are no employment contracts between the Company and its executive
officers. The Company's benefit plans contain typical provisions applicable to
all employees for termination of employment.

(j) Additional Information with Respect to Compensation Committee

The members of the Compensation Committee: Webb R. Gilmore, Michael J.
Ross and Larry Winn, Jr.




Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT

(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following sets forth information as of February 27, 1998, concerning
holding of voting securities of the Company's $2.50 par value capital stock,
which is the Company's only class of voting stock.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owners:

John K. Koetting, Robert C. Miller
and Ronald E. Hiatt, Trustees of the
Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Savings and Investment Plan
3520 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111-2565

Amount and Nature of Ownership* Percent of Class

446,892 shares 7.2

John K. Koetting, Robert C. Miller
and Ronald E. Hiatt, Trustees of the
Kansas City Life Employee Stock Plan
3520 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111-2565

Amount and Nature of Ownership* Percent of Class

38,342 shares .6

*Trustees have the power to sell plan assets. Participants may instruct the
Trustees how to vote their shares.

Angeline I. O'Connor
c/o William A. Hirsch, Esq.
Morrison & Hecker
2600 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64108

Amount and Nature of Ownership** Percent of Class

351,224 shares 5.7

**Includes 174,500 shares in the Walter E. Bixby Descendants Trust.
Angeline I. O'Connor, R. Philip Bixby and W. E. Bixby, III are Co-Trustees.
The Trustees share voting and investment power. The terms of the Trust
restrict the transfer of the shares.

Angeline I. O'Connor (then known as Angeline I. Oxler); J. R. Bixby; Margie
Morris Bixby; Kathryn A. Bixby-Haddad; Kathryn A. Bixby-Haddad as Custodian for
Kellie S. Curtis; Sorouch Haddad; Nancy Bixby Hudson; R. Philip Bixby; W. E.
Bixby, III; James R. Gammon as Trustee of the Walter E. Bixby Family Trust; R.
Philip Bixby, Angeline I. O'Connor and W. E. Bixby, III as Co-Trustees of the
Walter E. Bixby Descendants Trust; W. E. Bixby; W. E. Bixby as Trustee for Trust
B created pursuant to the Will of Edwin Bixby and Trust B created pursuant to
the Will of Angeline Reynolds Bixby were members of a group that agreed to act
together for the purpose of holding common stock, and the common stock ownership
of such group was reflected in a Schedule 13D filed with the Commission on
November 23, 1988 and subsequently amended. The agreement that documented the
various rights and obligations among all of the members of that group expired
May 20, 1990.

Nonetheless, Mrs. O'Connor and other former members of the Bixby Group in
subsequent filings with the Commission have indicated that they currently share
the expectation of many members of their extended family that a majority of the
common stock will continue to be beneficially owned by such individuals or be
under the control of Trustees under certain testamentary or inter vivos Trusts
for the benefit of such individuals.

(b) Security Ownership of Management

The names of the nominees proposed by management for election to three
year terms at the annual meeting to be held April 23, 1998 are set forth as
follows:

Served Shares of
as a Record and
Principal Director Beneficially Percent
Nominee Occupation Since Owned of Class

W. E. Bixby Vice Chairman of 1966 1,153,909 19.0
3520 Broadway the Board and 26,373(2)
Kansas City, MO President

Jack D. Hayes Senior Vice Presi- 1995 600 *
3520 Broadway dent, Marketing 521(2)
Kansas City, MO

Francis P. Lemery Senior Vice Presi- 1985 1,713 *
3520 Broadway dent and Actuary 7,688(2)
Kansas City, MO

Michael J. Ross Chairman of the 1972 300 *
12826 Dubon Lane Board and President,
St. Louis, MO Jefferson Bank and
Trust Company,
St. Louis, MO

Elizabeth T. Solberg Executive Vice 1997 100 *
850 W. 52nd St. President and Senior
Kansas City, MO Partner, Fleishman-
Hillard, Inc.,
Kansas City, MO

The following Directors were elected April 18, 1996 for a three year term:

W. E. Bixby, III President, Old 1996 176,124 5.7
3520 Broadway American Insur- 2,217(2)
Kansas City, MO ance Company, 174,500(3)
Kansas City, MO 4,376(4)

Webb R. Gilmore Partner - 1990 500 *
Attorney at Law Gilmore & Bell,
833 Westover Rd. Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO

Nancy Bixby Hudson Investor 1996 165,783 2.7
425 Baldwin Creek Rd.
Lander, WY

Daryl D. Jensen Vice Chairman of the 1978 24
2143 Old Port Dr. Board and President, 7,361(2) *
Olympia, WA Sunset Life Insurance
Company of America,
Olympia, WA

C. John Malacarne Vice President, 1991 10
3520 Broadway General Counsel 6,085(2) *
Kansas City, MO and Secretary

Served Shares of
as a Record and
Principal Director Beneficially Percent
Nominee Occupation Since Owned of Class

The following Directors were elected April 24, 1997 for a three year term:

J. R. Bixby Chairman of the 1957 1,484,056(1) 24.0
3520 Broadway Board
Kansas City, MO

R. Philip Bixby Executive Vice 1985 174,599 5.9
3520 Broadway President 6,391(2)
Kansas City, MO 174,500(3)
9,882(5)

Richard L. Finn Senior Vice Presi- 1983 12
3520 Broadway dent, Finance 6,664(2) *
Kansas City, MO

Warren J. Hunzicker, M.D. Director 1989 150 *
1248 Stratford Rd.
Kansas City, MO

Larry Winn, Jr. Retired Represent- 1985 166 *
8420 Roe Ave. ative, U.S. Congress
Prairie Village, KS

All Directors, executive officers and their spouses (also includes all shares
held by Trustees of Company benefit plans and shares held by the
Bixby Family and related Trusts) 4,205,181 67.9

*Less than 1%.

(1) Includes 900 shares owned by the spouse of J. R. Bixby.
Beneficial ownership of these shares is disclaimed.

(2) Approximate beneficial interest in shares held by the Trustees of Kansas
City Life Insurance Company employee benefit plans. Participants in the
plans may instruct the Trustees how to vote those shares held in their
account.

(3) Shares in the Walter E. Bixby Descendants Trust. R. Philip Bixby, W. E.
Bixby, III and Angeline I. O'Connor are Co-Trustees. The Trustees share
voting and investment power. The terms of the Trust restrict transferring
shares.

(4) Shares as to which W. E. Bixby, III is Custodian for his minor niece and
nephews under the Missouri Uniform Gifts to Minors law.

(5) Shares as to which R. Philip Bixby is Custodian for his minor niece and
nephews under the Missouri Uniform Gifts to Minors law.


Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

None.




PART IV


Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND
REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The following financial statements of Kansas City Life Insurance Company
are incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders
for the year ended December 31, 1997 at the following pages:

Page

Consolidated Income Statement - Years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Consolidated Balance Sheet -
December 31, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity -
Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . . . . 18
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . . . . 19
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . 20-28
Report of Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

(a)(2) Supplementary Data and Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules are attached hereto at the following pages:

Page

I - Summary of Investments - Other than Investments
in Related Parties, December 31, 1997 . . . . . . . . . 17
II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant,
Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . 18-20
III - Supplementary Insurance Information, Years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, Years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . 21




All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or
the information is presented in the financial statements or related notes.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

None.

(c) Exhibits

Exhibit
Number: Basic Documents:

3(a) 1986 Restatement of Articles of Incorporation. [Filed as
Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's 10-K Report for 1986 and
incorporated herein by reference]

3(b) Bylaws as amended October 26, 1986. [Filed as Exhibit 3(b)
to the Company's 10-K Report for 1986 and incorporated
herein by reference]

3(c) Specimen copies of Capital Stock Certificates, (a) less
than 100 shares; (b) 100 shares; and (c) unlimited. [Filed
as Exhibit 3(d) to the Company's 10-K Report for 1985 and
incorporated herein by reference]

10(a) Fourth Amendment, Kansas City Life Deferred
Compensation Plan. [Filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the
Company's 10-K Report for 1993 and incorporated herein
by reference]

10(b) Twenty-first Amendment, Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Savings and Investment Plan. [Filed as Exhibit 10(b) to
the Company's 10-K Report for 1994 and incorporated herein
by reference]

10(c) Ninth Amendment, Kansas City Life Employee Stock Plan.
[Filed as Exhibit 10(c) to the Company's 10-K Report for
1994 and incorporated herein by reference]

10(d) Kansas City Life Excess Benefit Plan. [Filed as Exhibit
10(e) to the Company's 10-K Report for 1990 and
incorporated herein by reference]

10(e) Kansas City Life Insurance Company Long-Term Incentive
Plan for 1994-1996.

13 Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December
31, 1997.

21 Subsidiaries.

23(a) Consent of Independent Auditors.

23(b) Consent of Independent Auditors.

27 Financial Data Schedule.

99(a) Form 11-K for the Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Savings and Investment Plan for the year 1997 and filed as
a part hereof and incorporated herein by reference.

99(b) Prospectus for Kansas City Life Insurance Company Savings
and Investment Plan. [Filed as Exhibit 99(b) to the
Company's 10-K Report for 1995 and incorporated herein by
reference]




SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY



By: /s/ John K. Koetting
John K. Koetting
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: March 25, 1998





Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



By: /s/ W. E. Bixby By: /s/ Richard L. Finn
W. E. Bixby Richard L. Finn
Director; Vice Chairman of the Director; Senior Vice
Board and President President, Finance
(Principal Executive Officer) (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: March 25, 1998 Date: March 25, 1998



By: /s/ J. R. Bixby By: /s/ Francis P. Lemery
J. R. Bixby Francis P. Lemery
Director; Chairman of Director; Senior Vice
the Board President and Actuary
Date: March 25, 1998 Date: March 25, 1998



By: /s/ R. Philip Bixby By: /s/ C. John Malacarne
R. Philip Bixby C. John Malacarne
Director; Executive Director; Vice President,
Vice President General Counsel and Secretary
Date: March 25, 1998 Date: March 25, 1998



By: /s/ Warren J. Hunzicker By: /s/ Daryl D. Jensen
Warren J. Hunzicker, M.D. Daryl D.Jensen
Director Director
Date: March 25, 1998 Date: March 25, 1998




Schedule I





KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN
INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 1997



Amount at
Which Shown
Fair in Balance
Type of Investment Cost Value Sheet

(in thousands)

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
Bonds:
United States government and government
agencies and authorities $ 135,182 138,051 138,051
Mortgage-backed securities 315,621 324,662 324,662
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions 74,693 76,915 76,915
Public utilities 281,781 288,075 288,075
All other bonds 1,137,714 1,168,839 1,168,839
Redeemable preferred stocks 7,750 7,974 7,974
Total 1,952,741 2,004,516 2,004,516

Equity securities, available for sale:
Common stocks 20,187 20,085 20,085
Perpetual preferred stocks 86,847 94,901 94,901
Total 107,034 114,986 114,986

Fixed maturity securities, held to maturity:
Bonds:
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions 1,549 1,696 1,549
Public utilities 50,291 52,729 50,291
All other bonds 93,821 97,070 93,821
Total 145,661 151,495 145,661

Mortgage loans on real estate, net 270,054 270,054
Real estate, net 36,764 36,764
Real estate joint ventures 43,347 43,347
Policy loans 123,186 123,186
Short-term 74,341 74,341
Other 7,500 7,500
Total investments $2,760,628 2,820,355




Schedule II




KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEET



December 31

1997 1996

(in thousands)

Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale, at fair value $1,546,655 1,322,965
Held to maturity, at amortized cost 90,688 162,502
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value:
Investments in affiliates 218,128 197,424
Other 86,803 61,783
Mortgage loans on real estate, net 221,323 222,548
Real estate, net 36,163 42,658
Real estate joint ventures 34,666 24,025
Policy loans 102,106 74,070
Short-term 46,203 10,912
Total investments 2,382,735 2,118,887

Deferred acquisition costs 95,638 94,095
Value of purchased insurance in force 73,217 -
Other 157,686 85,385
Separate account assets 57,980 13,916

Total assets $2,767,256 2,312,283

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Future policy benefits $ 538,361 452,126
Accumulated contract values 1,427,769 1,224,377
Other 212,552 159,000
Separate account liabilities 57,980 13,916
Total liabilities 2,236,662 1,849,419

Stockholders' equity:
Common stock 23,121 23,121
Paid-in capital 16,256 14,761
Unrealized gains on securities
available for sale, net 36,448 2,963
Retained earnings including $107,260,000 undis-
tributed earnings of affiliates ($95,307,000 - 1996) 543,715 509,748
Less treasury stock, at cost (88,946) (87,729)
Total stockholders' equity 530,594 462,864

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,767,256 2,312,283



The above condensed financial statement should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Kansas City Life
Insurance Company.




Schedule II
(continued)




KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
INCOME STATEMENT



Years ended December 31

1997 1996 1995

(in thousands)

Revenues
Insurance revenues:
Premiums:
Life insurance $ 28,145 26,186 23,927
Accident and health 39,435 31,264 22,324
Contract charges 68,431 55,123 52,932
Investment revenues:
Investment income, net 148,291 142,119 144,502
Dividends from affiliates 150 5,000 6,400
Realized investment gains, net 13,175 3,089 4,581
Other 5,786 7,877 6,906
Total revenues 303,413 270,658 261,572

Benefits and expenses
Policy benefits:
Death benefits 51,762 46,033 42,217
Surrenders of life insurance 11,280 11,737 12,491
Other benefits 62,997 56,239 44,066
Increase in benefit and contract reserves 56,126 52,348 54,348
Amortization of policy acquisition costs 15,138 14,619 13,693
Insurance operating expenses 66,891 53,338 52,328
Management fees from affiliates (6,291) (5,721) (5,995)
Total benefits and expenses 257,903 228,593 213,148

Income before federal income taxes 45,510 42,065 48,424

Federal income taxes 12,602 9,844 12,404

Income before equity in undistributed
net income of affiliates 32,908 32,221 36,020

Equity in undistributed net income
of affiliates 11,953 10,094 5,718

Net income $ 44,861 42,315 41,738


The above condensed financial statement should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Kansas City Life
Insurance Company.




Schedule II
(continued)





KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
CASH FLOW STATEMENT



Years ended December 31

1997 1996 1995

(in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities $ 14,081 38,020 32,553

Investing activities
Investments called, matured or repaid 215,239 225,957 232,966
Decrease (increase) in short-term
investments, net (35,291) 16,053 10,482
Investments sold 492,920 102,733 141,990
Investments purchased or originated (840,802) (387,849) (445,236)
Other 3,685 1,056 (538)
Acquisition of life block:
Cash received net of purchase price paid213,092 - -

Net cash provided (used) 48,843 (42,050) (60,336)

Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings 245,050 1,650 22,730
Repayment of borrowings (245,050) (1,650) (22,730)
Policyowner contract deposits 119,639 115,493 132,408
Withdrawals of policyowner
contract deposits (127,341) (107,073) (94,150)
Cash dividends to stockholders (10,894) (10,393) (10,061)
Other 278 592 670

Net cash provided (used) (18,318) (1,381) 28,867

Increase (decrease) in cash 44,606 (5,411) 1,084
Cash at beginning of year (87) 5,324 4,240

Cash at end of year $ 44,519 (87) 5,324



The above condensed financial statement should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Kansas City Life
Insurance Company.




Schedule III



KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION



The Company believes it operates in a single industry segment, that of providing
life and accident and health insurance coverage. Therefore, supplementary
information for this segment is limited to the following:

December 31

1997 1996

(in thousands)

Unearned premiums (included in $949 909
other policyowners' funds in the
accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheet)

All other information required by this Schedule is shown in the accompanying
Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Balance Sheet.





Schedule V



VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS



Years ended December 31

1997 1996 1995

(in thousands)

Real estate valuation account
Beginning of year $ 5,227 7,378 9,942
Deductions (1,541) (2,151) (2,564)
End of year $ 3,686 5,227 7,378


Mortgage loan valuation account
Beginning of year $ 8,500 10,500 10,500
Deductions - (2,000) -
End of year $ 8,500 8,500 10,500


Allowance for uncollectible accounts
Beginning of year $ 1,160 1,123 2,732
Additions 230 845 1,258
Deductions (181) (808) (2,867)
End of year $ 1,209 1,160 1,123