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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, 1998

[ ] 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 re-
quired 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 26, 1999, 6,201,665 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
$165,045,561. 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, 1998.

Item 6: Selected Financial Data. Page 14 of Annual Report to
Shareholders for the year
ended December 31, 1998.

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. 1998.

Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Pages 14 and 15 of Annual
Disclosures about Market Risk Report to Shareholders for
the year ended December 31,
1998.

Item 8: Financial Statements and Pages 16 through 29 of Annual
Supplementary Data. Report to Shareholders for the
year ended December 31, 1998.



Part IV

Index to Exhibits Page 16

PART I


Item 1. BUSINESS

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (KCL) was incorporated under the assess-
ment 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 49 states
and the District of Columbia.

The Company primarily operates in four business segments: Kansas City Life
Insurance Company, divided between its individual and group businesses, and its
two insurance affiliates, Sunset Life Insurance Company of America (Sunset) and
Old American Insurance Company (Old American). KCL markets its individual
products, principally interest sensitive and variable products, through a career
general agency sales force and these products generate 42% of consolidated
insur- ance revenues. Variable universal life and annuities totaled 49% of new
statutory premiums in 1998. The group products, largely life, disability and
administrative services only, are sold through the general agency sales force
and appointed group agents. Group revenues account for 19% of insurance
revenues. Sunset markets interest sensitive and traditional products to
individuals through a personal pro- ducing general agency system. Sunset
operates in 24 states generally west of the Mississippi and is in the process of
filing for admission to operate in most of the remaining states. This segment
provides 10% of revenues. The Old American segment markets whole life final
expense products to seniors through a general agency sales force. Old American
operates in 46 states and accounts for 29% of consolidated insurance revenues.

Old American's administrative operations are merged into KCL's home office
and its administrative and accounting systems. Sunset's administrative
operations likewise will be merged into KCL's home office during 1999. Increased
efficiencies and expense savings should be realized in 2000 and subsequent
years.

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
govern- ment 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 Old American respectively have 529 and 76 full time employees who
are located in KCL's home office. Sunset has 92 full time employees currently
located in Olympia, Washington.

The Company is engaged in a 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 currently 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. This building will be offered for sale in the latter half
of 1999.

The Company owns various other properties held for investment.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in
litigation related to life insurance pricing and sales practices. It has become
increasingly common for plaintiffs in these cases and other cases to seek class
action status and punitive damages. Among cases of this nature involving the
Company are the following:

Stewart, et al, v. Security Benefit Life Insurance Company; Tenth Judicial
District Court of Kansas, Johnson County, Kansas; Case No. 98-C04036. The
Company, through a coinsurance agreement, purchased a block of insurance
business, including the policies at issue, from Security Benefit Life ("SBL").
The Company is providing a defense to SBL pursuant to the agreement. This
lawsuit was filed by four SBL policyholders who allege SBL (through its agent,
Bank Market Service, Inc.) sold the policies as retirement plans when, in fact,
the policies are for life insurance and have only a minimal cash value. The
plaintiffs seek to rescind their insurance contracts with SBL and recover the
benefits that "true" retirement plans would have provided. Plaintiffs seek to
certify a class comprised of "all persons who have an ownership interest (or had
at the time the policy terminated) in one or more life insurance policies
marketed as retirement plans by defendants between 1977 and the present." The
Company's motion to dismiss has been denied and discovery is cur- rently in
process.

Adams v. Kansas City Life Insurance Company, et al; United States District
Court for the Western District of Missouri; Case No. 98-1053-CV-W-9. This liti-
gation was brought by four Company policyholders in the Middle District of
Florida but was subsequently transferred based on a motion by the Company to the
Western District of Missouri. The policyholders allege the Company marketed the
policies as policies that would pay for themselves after a certain period of
time - i.e., the premiums would "vanish". Plaintiffs seek to certify a class
comprised of "all persons and/or entities who have (or had at the time of the
policy's termination) an ownership interest in one or more permanent life
insurance policies that were issued by Kansas City Life...based upon the
nationwide fraudulent scheme and common course of conduct involving deceptive
sales practices described herein from January 1, 1985 to the present...and who
were thereby harmed." A motion to dismiss is pending and limited discovery has
been conducted.

Management denies the allegations, including the existence of a legitimate
class and intends to defend these cases vigorously. To date, class certification
has not been granted in any of the cases in which the Company is involved.

In addition to the above, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are
defendants in lawsuits involving claims and disputes with policyholders that may
include clients seeking class action status and/or 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, management
believes that the total amounts that would ultimately be paid, if any, would
have no material effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
position.


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

No matters were submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company
during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.

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 OPERATION

Incorporated by Reference.


Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK

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, 1998, 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, III (3)(6) 40 1999 None 1996

Webb R. Gilmore 54 1999 None 1990
(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)

Nancy Bixby Hudson (3)(6) 46 1999 None 1996

Daryl D. Jensen (3)(6) 59 1999 None 1978

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

C. John Malacarne 57 1999 Vice President, 1991
(1)(2)(3) General Counsel
and Secretary

J. R. Bixby (1)(2) 73 2000 Chairman of the Board 1957


R. Philip Bixby 45 2000 President and CEO 1985
(1)(2)

Richard L. Finn 57 2000 Senior Vice President, 1983
(1)(2) Finance

Warren J. Hunzicker, M.D. 78 2000 None 1989
(6)

Larry Winn, Jr. 79 2000 None 1985
(2)(4)(5)(6)

W. E. Bixby (1)(2) 66 2001 Vice Chairman of 1966
the Board

Jack D. Hayes (1) 58 2001 Senior Vice President, 1995
Marketing

Francis P. Lemery 59 2001 Senior Vice President 1985
(1)(2) and Actuary

Michael J. Ross 57 2001 None 1972
(2)(4)(5)(6)

Elizabeth T. Solberg 59 2001 None 1997
(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 share-
holders to be held on April 22, 1999, will be elected for a three year term
ending in 2002.

(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 Chairman, CEO and Shareholder of the law firm of Gilmore &
Bell. Nancy Bixby Hudson has served as a Director of Sunset Life, a sub-
sidiary, 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 Chairman of the Board of Jefferson Bank and Trust
Company, St. Louis, Missouri, since 1983. Mrs. Solberg became a Regional
President and Senior Partner of Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., in January, 1998.
She had been Executive Vice President 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, 73 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, 66 Vice Chairman of the Board since 1974; elected
Vice Chairman of Executive Vice President in January, 1987;
the Board President and CEO from 1990 until he retired in
April, 1998. Chairman of the Board of Sunset Life
and Old American, subsidiaries.

R. Philip Bixby, 45 Elected Assistant Secretary in 1979; Assistant Vice
President and CEO President in 1982; Vice President in 1984; Senior
Vice President, Operations in 1990; Executive Vice
President in 1996; and to present position in
April, 1998. Director of Sunset Life and Old
American, subsidiaries.

Richard L. Finn, 57 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, 58 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, 59 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, 52 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., 51 Elected Vice President, Computer Information
Senior Vice President, Services in 1989; Vice President, Insurance
Operations Administration 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.

Name, Age and Business Experience
Position During Past 5 Years

John K. Koetting, 53 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, 57 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, 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 pro-
ceedings 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, 1998 for the fiscal years ending December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.

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 $ $ $ $ $

R. P. Bixby, Presi- 1998 348,692 77,971 0 7,000 22,857
dent and CEO and 1997 284,700 400 132,660 4,750 29,820
Director, Kansas City 1996 176,880 12,081 0 4,000 18,488
Life; Director of
Sunset Life and Old
American, subsidiaries.

W. E. Bixby, Vice 1998 156,032 34,132 0 68,500 69,541
Chairman of the 1997 445,800 400 374,976 7,000 61,575
Board, retired as 1996 416,640 58,042 0 7,000 55,586
President and CEO of
Kansas City Life in
April, 1998; Chairman
of the Board of Sunset
Life and Old American,
subsidiaries.


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

R. L. Finn, Senior 1998 221,712 33,748 0 7,000 17,842
Vice President, 1997 212,160 400 151,560 7,000 25,540
Finance and Director, 1996 202,080 28,336 0 5,500 24,305
Kansas City Life;
Director of Sunset
Life and Old American,
subsidiaries.

F. P. Lemery, Senior 1998 221,712 33,748 0 7,000 17,842
Vice President and 1997 212,160 400 151,560 7,000 25,540
Actuary and Director, 1996 202,080 28,336 0 7,000 24,305
Kansas City Life;
Director of Sunset
Life and Old American,
subsidiaries.

Jack D. Hayes, Senior 1998 192,624 71,211 0 4,000 15,621
Vice President, Mar- 1997 184,320 400 132,930 4,000 22,309
keting, and Director, 1996 177,240 45,713 0 4,000 21,442
Kansas City Life.


ALL OTHER COMPENSATION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

The Company has a contributory Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) savings
and profit sharing 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 15% of their monthly
base salary. Highly compensated employees are limited to contributions of 6%.
The Company contributes an amount equal to 50%, 75% or 100% of the employee
contributions based on a schedule of years of employment to a maximum of 6% of
an employee's compensation in the form of capital stock of the Company. The
Company contributed $9,362 to the plan for the account of W. E. Bixby and
$10,000 to the accounts of the other named individuals.

The Company has adopted a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for
approximately 53 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 15% of their monthly
salary and the Company contributes up to a maximum of 6% of their monthly
salary. The amount contributed to the plan in 1998 for the accounts of the named
indi- viduals are as follows: W. E. Bixby, $0; R. P. Bixby, $9,997; R. L. Finn,
$3,303; F. P. Lemery, $3,303; J. D. Hayes, $1,557.

The Company provides yearly renewable term insurance to its employees in
the amount of 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 1998 are as follows: W.
E. Bixby, $5,970; R. P. Bixby, $2,860; R. L. Finn, $4,539; F. P. Lemery, $4,539;
J. D. Hayes, $4,064.

(f) Defined Benefit or Actuarial Plan Disclosure

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan which covers
employees age 21 and over. Effective January 1, 1998, the pension plan was con-
verted to a cash balance plan. Benefits under the plan will no longer be
determined primarily by final average compensation and years of service. Each
participant's benefit accrued under the prior plan formula as of December 31,
1997 was converted to an opening account balance in the cash balance plan.

Beginning in 1998, participants accumulate annual pay credits equal to a
percentage of annual compensation, ranging from 3% to 16% based on service of
the participant. The cash balance account is further credited with interest
annually which is based on the 30-year treasury bond rate in effect for November
of the prior plan year. For 1998, however, a 7% pay credit was used. Upon
termination of employment, the account balance as of such date may be
distributed to the participant in lump sum or annuity form, at the election of
the participant. Benefits vest according to years of service after age 18 on a
graded scale, beginning with 30% vesting with 3 years, and becoming 100% vested
with 7 years. Compensation for determining benefits under the plan is equal to
base salary, excluding overtime and bonuses.

Participants age 55 with 15 years of service as of December 31, 1997 will
receive the greater of the benefit under the cash balance plan, or the prior
plan formula based on final average compensation and years of service. The
following table illustrates the possible annual pension benefits under the prior
plan formula based upon final average compensation and years of service, for
these employees. Participants may elect a lump sum distribution.

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.

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 benefits from the qualified plan. For the individuals named in the Cash
Compensation Table, the years of service covered by the plan for the year ended
December 31, 1998, were: R. P. Bixby, 21 years; R. L. Finn, 25 years; F. P.
Lemery, 34 years; J. D. Hayes, 5 years.

The estimated annual annuity benefit payable starting at normal retirement
age (age 65) as accrued through December 31, 1998 under the cash balance plan
for each of the named individuals are as follows: W. E. Bixby $0; R. P. Bixby,
$128,457; R. L. Finn, $121,272; F. P. Lemery, $150,662; J. D. Hayes, $21,812.

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 maxi-
mum 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. Participants may elect a lump sum distribution. (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. W. E.
Bixby receives $75,000 annually for his services as Chairman of the Board of
Sunset Life and $25,000 annually for his services as Chairman of the Board of
Old American. 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 26, 1999, 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 Anne C. Moberg, Trustees of the
Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Savings and Profit Sharing Plan
3520 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111-2565

Amount and Nature of Ownership* Percent of Class

423,902 shares 6.8

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

Amount and Nature of Ownership* Percent of Class

36,053 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

351,344 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 22, 1999 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, III President, Old 1996 176,004 5.7
3520 Broadway American Insur- 2,451(1)
Kansas City, MO ance Company, 174,500(2)
Kansas City, MO 5,456(3)

Webb R. Gilmore Chairman, CEO 1990 500 *
833 Westover Rd. and Shareholder,
Kansas City, MO Gilmore & Bell,
Kansas City, MO

Nancy Bixby Hudson Investor 1996 165,783(4) 2.7
425 Baldwin Creek Rd.
Lander, WY

Daryl D. Jensen Vice Chairman of the 1978 24
2143 Old Port Dr. Board and President, 11,272(1) *
Olympia, WA Sunset Life Insurance
Company of America,
Olympia, WA

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

C. John Malacarne Vice President, 1991 10
3520 Broadway General Counsel 6,302(1) *
Kansas City, MO and Secretary

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

J. R. Bixby Chairman of the 1957 1,484,056(5) 24.0
3520 Broadway Board
Kansas City, MO

R. Philip Bixby President 1985 174,599 5.9
3520 Broadway and CEO 6,752(1)
Kansas City, MO 174,500(2)
10,602(6)

Richard L. Finn Senior Vice Presi- 1983 12
3520 Broadway dent, Finance 6,895(1) *
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

The following Directors were elected April 23, 1998 for a three year term:

W. E. Bixby Vice Chairman of 1966 1,179,170 19.0
3520 Broadway the Board
Kansas City, MO

Jack D. Hayes Senior Vice Presi- 1995 250 *
3520 Broadway dent, Marketing 521(1)
Kansas City, MO

Francis P. Lemery Senior Vice Presi- 1985 1,713 *
3520 Broadway dent and Actuary 7,929(1)
Kansas City, MO

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

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

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) 4,208,662 67.9

*Less than 1%.

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

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

(4) Shares held by Nancy Bixby Hudson, Trustee, Nancy Bixby Hudson Revocable
Trust.

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

(6) 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, 1998 at the following pages:

Page

Consolidated Income Statement - Years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Consolidated Balance Sheet -
December 31, 1998 and 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity -
Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . 18
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . 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, 1998 . . . . . . . . . 18
II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant,
Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . 19-21
III - Supplementary Insurance Information, Years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
IV - Reinsurance Information, Years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, Years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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 in-
corporated herein by reference]

10(a)Seventh Amendment, Kansas City Life Deferred Compensation
Plan.

10(b)Twenty-second Amendment, Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Savings and Profit Sharing Plan.

10(c) Tenth Amendment, Kansas City Life Employee Stock Plan.

10(d) First Amendment, Kansas City Life Excess Benefit Plan.

10(e)Kansas City Life Insurance Company Long-Term Incentive Plan
for 1994-1996. [Filed as Exhibit 10(e) to the Company's 10-K
Report for 1997 and incorporated herein by reference]

13 Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December
31, 1998.

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 Profit Sharing Plan for the year 1998 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 29, 1999





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 Regis-
trant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



By: /s/ R. Philip Bixby By: /s/ Richard L. Finn
R. Philip Bixby Richard L. Finn
Director; President and Director; Senior Vice
Chief Executive Officer President, Finance
(Principal Executive Officer) (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: March 29, 1999 Date: March 29, 1999



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 29, 1999 Date: March 29, 1999



By: /s/ W. E. Bixby By: /s/ C. John Malacarne
W. E. Bixby C. John Malacarne
Director; Vice Chairman Director; Vice President,
of the Board General Counsel and Secretary
Date: March 29, 1999 Date: March 29, 1999



By: /s/ W. E. Bixby, III By: /s/ Warren J. Hunzicker, M.D.
W. E. Bixby, III Warren J. Hunzicker, M.D.
Director Director
Date: March 29, 1999 Date: March 29, 1999


Schedule I





KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN
INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 1998



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 $ 45,079 46,445 46,445
Mortgage-backed securities 278,657 288,981 288,981
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions 65,264 68,658 68,658
Public utilities 294,016 307,920 307,920
All other bonds 1,326,328 1,378,734 1,378,734
Redeemable preferred stocks 3,631 3,624 3,624
Total 2,012,975 2,094,362 2,094,362

Equity securities, available for sale:
Common stocks 19,958 19,851 19,851
Nonredeemable preferred stocks 78,551 80,898 80,898
Total 98,509 100,749 100,749

Fixed maturity securities,
held to maturity:
Bonds:
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions 1,548 1,713 1,548
Public utilities 25,325 27,252 25,325
All other bonds 88,631 94,550 88,631
Total 115,504 123,515 115,504

Mortgage loans on real estate, net 315,705 315,705
Real estate, net 43,840 43,840
Real estate joint ventures 39,388 39,388
Policy loans 122,860 122,860
Short-term 59,160 59,160
Total investments $2,807,941 2,891,568

Schedule II




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



December 31

1998 1997

(in thousands)

Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities:
Available for sale, at fair value $1,614,849 1,546,655
Held to maturity, at amortized cost 68,354 90,688
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value:
Investments in affiliates 237,340 218,128
Other 72,314 86,803
Mortgage loans on real estate, net 254,987 221,323
Real estate, net 43,227 36,163
Real estate joint ventures 30,758 34,666
Policy loans 101,620 102,106
Short-term 36,235 46,203
Total investments 2,459,684 2,382,735

Deferred acquisition costs 102,850 95,638
Value of purchased insurance in force 68,557 73,217
Other 105,796 157,686
Separate account assets 143,008 57,980

Total assets $2,879,895 2,767,256

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Future policy benefits $ 539,767 538,361
Accumulated contract values 1,397,507 1,427,769
Other 221,680 212,552
Separate account liabilities 143,008 57,980
Total liabilities 2,301,962 2,236,662

Stockholders' equity:
Common stock 23,121 23,121
Paid in capital 17,633 16,256
Accumulated other comprehensive income 45,466 36,448
Retained earnings including $122,538,000 undis-
tributed earnings of affiliates ($107,260,000 - 1997) 581,074 543,715
Less treasury stock, at cost (89,361) (88,946)
Total stockholders' equity 577,933 530,594

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,879,895 2,767,256



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

1998 1997 1996

(in thousands)

Revenues
Insurance revenues:
Premiums:
Life insurance $ 31,899 28,145 26,186
Accident and health 37,963 39,435 31,264
Contract charges 82,273 68,431 55,123
Investment revenues:
Investment income, net 152,033 148,291 142,119
Dividends from affiliates 100 150 5,000
Realized investment gains, net 9,198 13,175 3,089
Other 10,359 5,786 7,877
Total revenues 323,825 303,413 270,658

Benefits and expenses
Policy benefits:
Death benefits 58,929 51,762 46,033
Surrenders of life insurance 14,589 11,280 11,737
Other benefits 64,404 62,997 56,239
Increase in benefit and contract reserves 58,118 56,126 52,348
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs 16,861 15,138 14,619
Insurance operating expenses 71,075 66,891 53,338
Management fees from affiliates (5,923) (6,291) (5,721)
Total benefits and expenses 278,053 257,903 228,593

Income before federal income taxes and
equity in undistributed net income
of affiliates 45,772 45,510 42,065

Federal income taxes 12,538 12,602 9,844

Income before equity in undistributed
net income of affiliates 33,234 32,908 32,221

Equity in undistributed net income
of affiliates 15,278 11,953 10,094

Net income $ 48,512 44,861 42,315



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
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS



Years ended December 31

1998 1997 1996

(in thousands)

Net cash from operating activities $ 40,286 14,081 38,020

Investing activities
Investments called, matured or repaid 218,805 215,239 225,957
Decrease (increase) in short-term
investments, net 9,968 (35,291) 16,053
Investments sold 364,541 492,920 102,733
Investments purchased or originated (620,514) (840,802) (387,849)
Other 3,403 3,685 1,056
Acquisitions and dispositions of insur-
ance blocks - net cash received (paid) (13,250) 213,092 -
Net cash from (used in)
investing activities (37,047) 48,843 (42,050)

Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings - 245,050 1,650
Repayment of borrowings - (245,050) (1,650)
Policyowner contract deposits 126,743 119,639 115,493
Withdrawals of policyowner
contract deposits (154,172) (127,341) (107,073)
Cash dividends to stockholders (11,153) (10,894) (10,393)
Other 962 278 592

Net cash (used in) financing activities (37,620) (18,318) (1,381)

Increase (decrease) in cash (34,381) 44,606 (5,411)
Cash at beginning of year 44,519 (87) 5,324

Cash at end of year $ 10,138 44,519 (87)



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


Future Policy
Deferred Benefits, Contract Other
Acquisition Values and Claim Unearned Policyholders'
Costs Liabilities Premiums Funds
(in thousands)
December 31, 1998:
KCL - Individual $102,850 1,939,018 330 120,781
KCL - Group - 19,070 55 -
Sunset 47,240 380,134 17 10,966
Old American 68,867 249,729 413 5,197
Total $218,957 2,587,951 815 136,944

December 31, 1997:
KCL - Individual $ 95,638 1,970,235 306 114,504
KCL - Group - 20,685 91 -
Sunset 47,044 373,228 31 11,117
Old American 67,144 232,292 520 4,348
Total $209,826 2,596,440 948 129,969

December 31, 1996:
KCL - Individual $ 94,096 1,680,110 251 89,278
KCL - Group - 19,174 58 -
Sunset 48,337 365,910 26 11,828
Old American 64,587 216,303 574 2,096
Total $207,020 2,281,497 909 103,202


Insurance Accident and
Policy Operating Health Written
Benefits Expenses@ Premiums
(in thousands)
1998: @Allocations
KCL - Individual $161,236 48 149 385 of Insurance
KCL - Group 34,801 20,289 38,820 Operating
Sunset 29,255 10,452 28 Expenses are
Old American 58,048 17,457 4,354 based on a
Total $283,340 96,347 43,587 number of
assumptions
1997: and esti-
KCL - Individual $145,561 44,309 402 mates, and
KCL - Group 36,603 19,065 40,065 the results
Sunset 29,756 11,013 31 would change
Old American 61,258 16,994 5,419 if different
Total $273,178 91,381 45,917 methods were
applied.
1996:
KCL - Individual $135,798 34,154 449
KCL - Group 30,561 14,488 31,434
Sunset 29,872 10,268 34
Old American 58,248 16,317 6,249
Total $254,479 75,227 38,166


All other information required by this Schedule is shown in the accompanying
Segment Information Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Schedule IV


KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
REINSURANCE INFORMATION


Life Insurance Premiums Accident and Health Premiums
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
(in thousands)
Direct
KCL - Individual $ 26,836 25,105 25,010 440 467 496
KCL - Group 12,537 12,974 12,136 46,736 46,710 39,232
Sunset 5,656 5,049 4,770 31 34 38
Old American 83,555 85,363 85,234 6,815 7,811 8,928
Total $128,584 128,491 127,150 54,022 55,022 48,694

Ceded
KCL - Individual (11,967) (11,528) (9,447) (55) (62) (56)
KCL - Group (2,181) (2,229) (2,006) (9,158) (7,680) (8,659)
Sunset (4,584) (3,642) (3,112) (3) (3) (4)
Old American (8,016) (8,863) (9,815) (2,365) (2,346) (2,651)
Total (26,748) (26,262) (24,380) (11,581) (10,091) (11,370)

Assumed
KCL - Individual 6,674 3,822 493 - - 251
KCL - Group - - - - - -
Sunset - - - - - -
Old American - - - - - -
Total 6,674 3,822 493 - - 251
Net $108,510 106,051 103,263 42,441 44,931 37,575

% of Assumed to Net 6 4 - - - -

Life Insurance in Force
1998 1997 1996
(in millions)
Direct
KCL - Individual $ 12,569 11,768 11,250
KCL - Group 3,823 4,278 4,155
Sunset 5,768 5,615 5,501
Old American 1,101 1,139 1,215
Total 23,261 22,800 22,121

Ceded
KCL - Individual (2,832) (2,111) (1,777)
KCL - Group (256) (295) (197)
Sunset (1,274) (830) (617)
Old American (126) (139) (151)
Total (4,488) (3,375) (2,742)

Assumed
KCL - Individual 3,380 3,796 28
KCL - Group - - -
Sunset - - -
Old American - - -
Total 3,380 3,796 28
Net $ 22,153 23,221 19,407

% of Assumed to Net 15 16 -


All other information required by this Schedule is shown in the accompanying
Reinsurance Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Schedule V



VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS



Years ended December 31

1998 1997 1996

(in thousands)

Real estate valuation account
Beginning of year $ 3,686 5,227 7,378
Deductions ( 809) (1,541) (2,151)
End of year $ 2,877 3,686 5,227


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


Allowance for uncollectible accounts
Beginning of year $ 1,209 1,160 1,123
Additions 449 230 845
Deductions (321) (181) (808)
End of year $ 1,337 1,209 1,160