Thomas D. Bliss

Thomas D. Bliss, (Tom) passed peacefully on March 27, 2026. He was born on October 7, 1952 at Bethany Hospital (KCK) to Thomas D Bliss & Ann Cindrich Bliss. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Bratty and father Louis Bratty, and his faithful canine, Suzy.

He is survived by his wife & best friend of 45 years, Janet Terrell Bliss, daughter Terri Lasley-Burford (partner Chris Sandow), grandchildren Michaela Burford (partner AJ Valentine), Weston Burford, extended grandchildren Emily Burford (Partner Jackson Compton), Rachel Sandow (partner Adam Loomis), great grandchildren Vincent Valentine, Arlo Loomis and Raider Loomis. He is also survived by sister Mary Jane Shockey (Gene), brother Robert Bratty, nieces Paula Summers, Gina Agnew (Nate), Carrie English, great nieces Audriana (Adalina, Alana), Ashley (Isaac, Ronan & Emily) and great nephew Austin.

Tom was a US Army veteran from 1974-1978 and proudly served his country. He was a rifle & hand grenade expert and receive special commendations. He later met Janet when they worked together at American Beauty. Janet was pursuing a career in the beauty industry and she and Tom later opened their own salon, Salon Bliss & Day Spa in Overland Park, KS. Together they operated the salon for nearly 20 years with a team of the most talented stylists, estheticians, massage therapists, nail technicians, and reception support staff in the area.

Tom enjoyed reading. You would often find him curled up with a good book. He also was an avid snow skier and loved to visit Colorado with Janet, enjoying the slopes in God’s country. He learned to ride horses and he and Janet owned 4 beautiful horses. But Tom’s biggest passion was cooking, this he got from his mother Ann. Tom loved to recreate her fabulous recipes and he would often explore recipes and new dishes on the cooking channel. There was nothing he could not turn into a mouth-watering experience. He was a marvelous “chef”. And he loved music, particularly classic rock. You would often see his head bobbing and goofy smile when he was listening.

Tom had a presence. People gravitated towards his big smile, sense of humor and his kindness. He was a giving, compassionate man with a personality larger than life. He was a Christian and loved the Lord with all of his heart. Although we grieve his leaving our world, we take comfort in knowing he is in the arms of his Lord.

Special thanks to the Good Samaritan and KU Hospice staff for making him comfortable and cared for in his last years.