<HTML><HEAD><TITLE></title></head><body>

<H2 ALIGN=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
United States<BR>
                       Securities and Exchange Commission<BR>
                             Washington, D. C. 20549<BR><BR><BR>



                                    Form 8-K<BR><BR>

                                 Current Report<BR><BR><BR><BR>



                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of<BR>
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934<BR><BR><BR><BR>




                                March 12, 2004<BR><BR><BR><BR>



                       Kansas City Life Insurance Company<BR>
                                  3520 Broadway<BR>
                        Kansas City, Missouri 64111-2565<BR><BR><BR>



                           Commission File No. 2-40764<BR><BR><BR>


                             IRS Number: 44-0308260<BR><BR><BR>



                        Telephone Number: (816) 753-7000<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

</font></h2>


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                                   Page 1 of 7

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<H2 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
Item 12 &#150; Results of Operations and Financial Condition.</FONT></H2>
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
         Included  below is a release of financial  information  mailed to  stockholders  on March 11, 2004.  It reflects the financial
condition, in a condensed format, for Kansas City Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2003.
</font></p>
<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>President&#146;s
Message</FONT></H1>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
fourth quarter was the strongest quarter of 2003 for Kansas City Life Insurance
Company, as net income was $13.0 million or $1.09 per share. Although the 2003
fourth quarter results were down from the prior year&#146;s net income of $14.5
million or $1.21 per share, the earnings of the Company improved through each of
the successive four quarters during 2003 and improved from the third quarter net
income of $7.7 million or $0.65 per share. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
most financial institutions have experienced, the corporate credit markets have
caused the Company to realize losses on certain investments during this latest
economic downturn. The primary reason for the improvement in net income by
quarter throughout the year was due to the successive reduction in realized
investment losses during the year. These losses have narrowed, consistent with
the improving economy and stronger corporate earnings. The Company recorded net
realized gains on investments of $6.9 million during the fourth quarter. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net
income for the year 2003 was $14.8 million or $1.24 per share, compared to $31.5
million or $2.63 per share for 2002. While changes in the corporate credit
markets have had the greatest impact on the Company&#146;s changes in net income
during the last several periods, other factors have also had a significant
impact. First, insurance revenues increased both for the quarter and for the
year versus prior year periods. Premium and contract charges grew to $80.8
million and $320.7 million in the fourth quarter and for the year 2003,
respectively, up from $76.1 million and $290.2 million for the same periods in
2002. New sales of immediate annuities accounted for most of these increases. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Two
additional factors impacting the Company&#146;s operations, the decline in
investment yields and increased amount of invested assets, have largely offset
each other during both the fourth quarter and full year comparisons. Total
investments increased by $579.8 million or 19.0% during the year ended December
31, 2003. The acquisition of GuideOne Life Insurance Company (GuideOne) on June
30, 2003, and strong growth in new premium and deposits from the sale of annuities
were the primary drivers of this growth. However, due to the declining interest
rate environment, net investment income increased only 3.8% and 0.3% for the
fourth quarter and annual periods, respectively. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stockholders&#146;
equity grew to $644.4 million at year-end 2003, up by $46.9 million from the
year earlier. The increase in equity was primarily due to the appreciation in
value of the Company&#146;s investment portfolio, which is included in
accumulated other comprehensive income. The lower interest rate environment was
the principal reason for improved portfolio value. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Board of Directors declared on January 26, 2004 a quarterly dividend of $0.27
per share, payable on February 23, 2004 to stockholders of record on February 9,
2004. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With
the improving economy, a strong capital position and expanded sales
distribution, including the addition of GuideOne, we believe the Company is well
positioned for continued growth and improving results. </FONT></P>

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                                   Page 2 of 7

</font></p>
<pre>
<i><b>
Consolidated
Balance Sheet  (Unaudited)</b>
(Thousands, except share data)</i>
                                                  December 31
                                             <u>2003</u>            <u>2002</u>
<b><i>
Assets</i></b>
Investments:
    Fixed maturity securities
      available for sale, at fair value$    2,814,485   $   2,141,439
    Equity securities available
      for sale, at fair value                  63,808          57,587
    Mortgage loans                            456,656         463,150
    Short-term investments                     71,823         186,770
    Other investments                  <u>       228,014 </u>  <u>      206,043 </u>

      Total investments                     3,634,786       3,054,989

Cash                                           20,029          14,645
Deferred acquisition costs                    241,057         246,286
Value of business acquired                    106,334          75,322
Other assets                                  245,015         231,256
Separate account assets                <u>       304,691 </u>  <u>      244,862 </u>
      Total assets                     <u>$    4,551,912 </u>  <u>$   3,867,360 </u>
<b><i>
Liabilities</i></b>
Future policy benefits                 $      872,114   $     811,633
Policyholder account balances               2,239,223       1,784,634
Notes payable                                 133,670          97,241
Income taxes                                   36,918          15,539
Other liabilities                             320,858         315,954
Separate account liabilities           <u>       304,691 </u>  <u>      244,862 </u>

      Total liabilities                <u>     3,907,474 </u>  <u>$   3,269,863 </u>
<b><i>
Stockholders' equity</i></b>
    Common stock                               23,121          23,121
    Additional paid in capital                 23,310          22,605
    Retained earnings                         688,800         686,847
    Accumulated other
      comprehensive income (loss)              23,418         (24,437)
    Less treasury stock                <u>      (114,211)</u>  <u>     (110,639)</u>

      Total stockholders' equity       <u>       644,438 </u>  <u>      597,497 </u>

      Total liabilities and equity     <u>$    4,551,912 </u>  <u>$   3,867,360 </u>

</pre>
<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><i>
    See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</i></font></p>
<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>


                                   Page 3 of 7

</font></p>

<pre>
<i><b>
Consolidated
Income Statement   (Unaudited)</b>
(Thousands, except share data)</i>
                                                           Quarter ended               Year ended
                                                            December 31                December 31
                                                         <u>2003</u>          <u>2002</u>         <u>2003</u>          <u>2002</u>
<b><i>Revenues</i></b>
Insurance revenues:
    Premiums                                        $     51,697        48,840      210,671       184,703
    Contract charges                                      29,062        27,305      110,006       105,520
    Reinsurance ceded                               <u>     (12,636)</u>   <u>   (10,588)</u>  <u>   (48,830)</u>   <u>   (43,223)</u>
      Total insurance revenues                            68,123        65,557      271,847       247,000
Investment revenues:
    Net investment income                                 50,131        48,313      194,763       194,235
    Realized investment gains (losses)                     6,852           942      (29,280)      (18,240)
Other revenues                                      <u>       1,502 </u>   <u>     4,343 </u>  <u>     8,300 </u>   <u>    15,140 </u>
      Total revenues                                <u>     126,608 </u>   <u>   119,155 </u>  <u>   445,630 </u>   <u>   438,135 </u>
<b><i>
Benefits and expenses</i></b>
Policyholder benefits                                     48,999        52,237      208,102       187,460
Interest credited to policyholder account balances        25,511        22,972       92,278        87,587
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
    and value of business acquired                         9,513         4,518       37,908        30,969
Operating expenses                                  <u>      24,488 </u>   <u>    23,118 </u>  <u>    98,111 </u>   <u>    94,298 </u>
      Total benefits and expenses                   <u>     108,511 </u>   <u>   102,845 </u>  <u>   436,399 </u>   <u>   400,314 </u>

Income before income tax expense (benefit)                18,097        16,310        9,231        37,821

Income tax expense (benefit)                        <u>       5,109 </u>   <u>     1,816 </u>  <u>    (5,562)</u>   <u>     6,272 </u>
<b><i>
Net income</i></b>                                          <u>$     12,988 </u>   <u>    14,494 </u>  <u>    14,793 </u>   <u>    31,549 </u>
<b><i>
Per common share:</i></b>
    Net income, basic and diluted                   $       1.09          1.21         1.24          2.63

    Cash dividends                                  $       0.27          0.27         1.08          1.08

</pre>
<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><i>
    See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</i></font></p>
<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>


                                   Page 4 of 7

</font></p>
<pre>
<i><b>
Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</b>
(Thousands, except share data)</i>


                                              Year Ended
                                              December 31
                                           <u>2003</u>           <u>2002</u>
<b><i>
Operating activities</i></b>
     Net cash provided              <u>$      94,147 </u>   <u>    48,763 </u>
<b><i>
Investing activities</i></b>
Purchases of investment securities:
     Fixed maturities                  (1,251,481)     (788,919)
     Equity securities                     (4,279)       (5,598)
Sales of investment securities:
     Fixed maturities                     188,849       359,375
     Equity securities                     17,036         9,986
Maturities and principal paydowns
     of investment securities:
     Fixed maturities                     725,589       364,984
     Equity securities                      8,771         6,925
Purchases of other investments            (72,386)     (149,627)
Sales, maturities and principal
     paydowns of other investments        183,161        79,805
Net additions to property and
     equipment                               (969)      (21,029)
Insurance business acquired
     or disposed                    <u>      (52,264)</u>   <u>         - </u>
     Net cash used                  <u>     (257,973)</u>   <u>  (144,098)</u>
<b><i>
Financing activities</i></b>
Proceeds from borrowings                   35,061        59,562
Repayment of borrowings                      (634)      (59,100)
Deposits on policyholder contracts        338,089       272,110
Withdrawals from policyholder
     account balances                    (180,801)     (153,814)
Net transfers to separate accounts         (9,427)      (14,856)
Change in other deposits                    2,629         4,409
Cash dividends to stockholders            (12,840)      (12,957)
Disposition (acquisition) of
     treasury stock, net            <u>       (2,867)</u>   <u>    (1,148)</u>
     Net cash provided              <u>      169,210 </u>   <u>    94,206 </u>

Increase (decrease) in cash                 5,384        (1,129)
Cash at beginning of year           <u>       14,645 </u>   <u>    15,774 </u>
     Cash at end of period          <u>$      20,029 </u>   <u>    14,645 </u>

</pre>
<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><i>
    See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</i></font></p>

<P align=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>


                                   Page 5 of 7

</font></p>
<ul>
<li><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>   Comprehensive income  (loss) was $62,648  and $45,918 for  2003 and 2002,
    respectively; and $9,990 and ($11,997) for the fourth quarter of 2003
    and 2002.  This varies from net income due to unrealized gains or losses
    on  investments and changes in additional minimum pension liabilities.
</font></li>
<li><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>    Income per common share is based upon the weighted average
    number of shares outstanding during the year, 11,944,291
    shares (2002 -- 11,997,733 shares).
</font></li>
<li><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>    These financial statements are unaudited but, in management's opinion,
    include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results.
</font></li>
<li><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>    Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform with
    the current year presentation.
</font></li></ul>
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                                   Page 6 of 7

</font></p>


<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>SIGNATURE</FONT></H1>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements 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. </FONT></P>
<pre>
                                                     <u>KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY</u>
                                                                   (Registrant)


                                                     By:<u>/s/William A. Schalekamp</u>
                                                           William A. Schalekamp
                                                           Senior Vice President,
                                                           General Counsel &amp; Secretary
<u>March 12, 2004</u>
    (Date)
</pre>

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                                   Page 7 of 7

</font></p>
</body></html>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE CO", "cik": "0000054473", "assigned-sic": "6311", "irs-number": "440308260", "state-of-incorporation": "MO", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "002-40764", "film-number": "04666531"}, "business-address": {"street1": "3520 BROADWAY", "city": "KANSAS CITY", "state": "MO", "zip": "64111-2565", "phone": "8167537299X8296"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "3520 BROADWAY", "city": "KANSAS CITY", "state": "MO", "zip": "64111-2565"}}
United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D. C. 20549
Form 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
March 12, 2004
Kansas City Life Insurance Company
3520 Broadway
Kansas City, Missouri 64111-2565
Commission File No. 2-40764
IRS Number: 44-0308260
Telephone Number: (816) 753-7000
Page 1 of 7
Item 12 – Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
Included  below is a release of financial  information  mailed to  stockholders  on March 11, 2004.  It reflects the financial
condition, in a condensed format, for Kansas City Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2003.
President's
Message
The
fourth quarter was the strongest quarter of 2003 for Kansas City Life Insurance
Company, as net income was $13.0 million or $1.09 per share. Although the 2003
fourth quarter results were down from the prior year's net income of $14.5
million or $1.21 per share, the earnings of the Company improved through each of
the successive four quarters during 2003 and improved from the third quarter net
income of $7.7 million or $0.65 per share.
As
most financial institutions have experienced, the corporate credit markets have
caused the Company to realize losses on certain investments during this latest
economic downturn. The primary reason for the improvement in net income by
quarter throughout the year was due to the successive reduction in realized
investment losses during the year. These losses have narrowed, consistent with
the improving economy and stronger corporate earnings. The Company recorded net
realized gains on investments of $6.9 million during the fourth quarter.
Net
income for the year 2003 was $14.8 million or $1.24 per share, compared to $31.5
million or $2.63 per share for 2002. While changes in the corporate credit
markets have had the greatest impact on the Company's changes in net income
during the last several periods, other factors have also had a significant
impact. First, insurance revenues increased both for the quarter and for the
year versus prior year periods. Premium and contract charges grew to $80.8
million and $320.7 million in the fourth quarter and for the year 2003,
respectively, up from $76.1 million and $290.2 million for the same periods in
2002. New sales of immediate annuities accounted for most of these increases.
Two
additional factors impacting the Company's operations, the decline in
investment yields and increased amount of invested assets, have largely offset
each other during both the fourth quarter and full year comparisons. Total
investments increased by $579.8 million or 19.0% during the year ended December
31, 2003. The acquisition of GuideOne Life Insurance Company (GuideOne) on June
30, 2003, and strong growth in new premium and deposits from the sale of annuities
were the primary drivers of this growth. However, due to the declining interest
rate environment, net investment income increased only 3.8% and 0.3% for the
fourth quarter and annual periods, respectively.
Stockholders'
equity grew to $644.4 million at year-end 2003, up by $46.9 million from the
year earlier. The increase in equity was primarily due to the appreciation in
value of the Company's investment portfolio, which is included in
accumulated other comprehensive income. The lower interest rate environment was
the principal reason for improved portfolio value.
The
Board of Directors declared on January 26, 2004 a quarterly dividend of $0.27
per share, payable on February 23, 2004 to stockholders of record on February 9,
2004.
With
the improving economy, a strong capital position and expanded sales
distribution, including the addition of GuideOne, we believe the Company is well
positioned for continued growth and improving results.
Page 2 of 7
Consolidated
Balance Sheet  (Unaudited)
(Thousands, except share data)
December 31
2003
2002
Assets
Investments:
    Fixed maturity securities
      available for sale, at fair value$    2,814,485   $   2,141,439
    Equity securities available
      for sale, at fair value                  63,808          57,587
    Mortgage loans                            456,656         463,150
    Short-term investments                     71,823         186,770
    Other investments
228,014
206,043
Total investments                     3,634,786       3,054,989

Cash                                           20,029          14,645
Deferred acquisition costs                    241,057         246,286
Value of business acquired                    106,334          75,322
Other assets                                  245,015         231,256
Separate account assets
304,691
244,862
Total assets
$    4,551,912
$   3,867,360
Liabilities
Future policy benefits                 $      872,114   $     811,633
Policyholder account balances               2,239,223       1,784,634
Notes payable                                 133,670          97,241
Income taxes                                   36,918          15,539
Other liabilities                             320,858         315,954
Separate account liabilities
304,691
244,862
Total liabilities
3,907,474
$   3,269,863
Stockholders' equity
Common stock                               23,121          23,121
    Additional paid in capital                 23,310          22,605
    Retained earnings                         688,800         686,847
    Accumulated other
      comprehensive income (loss)              23,418         (24,437)
    Less treasury stock
(114,211)
(110,639)
Total stockholders' equity
644,438
597,497
Total liabilities and equity
$    4,551,912
$   3,867,360
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Page 3 of 7
Consolidated
Income Statement   (Unaudited)
(Thousands, except share data)
Quarter ended               Year ended
                                                            December 31                December 31
2003
2002
2003
2002
Revenues
Insurance revenues:
    Premiums                                        $     51,697        48,840      210,671       184,703
    Contract charges                                      29,062        27,305      110,006       105,520
    Reinsurance ceded
(12,636)
(10,588)
(48,830)
(43,223)
Total insurance revenues                            68,123        65,557      271,847       247,000
Investment revenues:
    Net investment income                                 50,131        48,313      194,763       194,235
    Realized investment gains (losses)                     6,852           942      (29,280)      (18,240)
Other revenues
1,502
4,343
8,300
15,140
Total revenues
126,608
119,155
445,630
438,135
Benefits and expenses
Policyholder benefits                                     48,999        52,237      208,102       187,460
Interest credited to policyholder account balances        25,511        22,972       92,278        87,587
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
    and value of business acquired                         9,513         4,518       37,908        30,969
Operating expenses
24,488
23,118
98,111
94,298
Total benefits and expenses
108,511
102,845
436,399
400,314
Income before income tax expense (benefit)                18,097        16,310        9,231        37,821

Income tax expense (benefit)
5,109
1,816
(5,562)
6,272
Net income
$     12,988
14,494
14,793
31,549
Per common share:
Net income, basic and diluted                   $       1.09          1.21         1.24          2.63

    Cash dividends                                  $       0.27          0.27         1.08          1.08
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Page 4 of 7
Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Thousands, except share data)
Year Ended
                                              December 31
2003
2002
Operating activities
Net cash provided
$      94,147
48,763
Investing activities
Purchases of investment securities:
     Fixed maturities                  (1,251,481)     (788,919)
     Equity securities                     (4,279)       (5,598)
Sales of investment securities:
     Fixed maturities                     188,849       359,375
     Equity securities                     17,036         9,986
Maturities and principal paydowns
     of investment securities:
     Fixed maturities                     725,589       364,984
     Equity securities                      8,771         6,925
Purchases of other investments            (72,386)     (149,627)
Sales, maturities and principal
     paydowns of other investments        183,161        79,805
Net additions to property and
     equipment                               (969)      (21,029)
Insurance business acquired
     or disposed
(52,264)
-
Net cash used
(257,973)
(144,098)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings                   35,061        59,562
Repayment of borrowings                      (634)      (59,100)
Deposits on policyholder contracts        338,089       272,110
Withdrawals from policyholder
     account balances                    (180,801)     (153,814)
Net transfers to separate accounts         (9,427)      (14,856)
Change in other deposits                    2,629         4,409
Cash dividends to stockholders            (12,840)      (12,957)
Disposition (acquisition) of
     treasury stock, net
(2,867)
(1,148)
Net cash provided
169,210
94,206
Increase (decrease) in cash                 5,384        (1,129)
Cash at beginning of year
14,645
15,774
Cash at end of period
$      20,029
14,645
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Page 5 of 7
Comprehensive income  (loss) was $62,648  and $45,918 for  2003 and 2002,
    respectively; and $9,990 and ($11,997) for the fourth quarter of 2003
    and 2002.  This varies from net income due to unrealized gains or losses
    on  investments and changes in additional minimum pension liabilities.
Income per common share is based upon the weighted average
    number of shares outstanding during the year, 11,944,291
    shares (2002 -- 11,997,733 shares).
These financial statements are unaudited but, in management's opinion,
    include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results.
Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform with
    the current year presentation.
Page 6 of 7
SIGNATURE
Pursuant
to the requirements 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
(Registrant)

                                                     By:
/s/William A. Schalekamp
William A. Schalekamp
                                                           Senior Vice President,
                                                           General Counsel & Secretary
March 12, 2004
(Date)
Page 7 of 7