Michael Winston “Mike” Bliss, of Richmond, MO, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021, from complications due to COVID-19, at the age of 75. 

Mike was born on September 9, 1946, at the United States Naval Base in Charleston, SC, the son of Oliver Winston Bliss, originally of Braymer, MO, and Evelyn Juanita Vaughn-Bliss, formerly of Nashville, TN. 

After graduating from Westminster High School, Westminster, CA, in 1964, Mike worked at the Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, CA, until he enlisted in the Air Force in 1966.  He served as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, as well as a Crew Chief in Vietnam, before receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1970. 

Afterwards, Mike explored a variety of careers, and performed under several job titles after he returned to Aerospace Manufacturing at Douglas Aircraft, which eventually merged into the Boeing Company for which he worked in purchasing before he retired after 25 years in the Aerospace industry.  He lived life to the fullest and was an incredibly challenging opponent on the golf courses, ping-pong tables, and even harder to beat at pool. 

He also enjoyed playing baseball, softball, and basketball.  However, he most valued the challenge his volunteer work brought him as a chaplain, first at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside, CA, then after moving to Richmond, MO, in 2005, as the chaplain at the jail in Henrietta. 

His love for Jesus gave him a genuine zeal for helping inmates, and others he mentored, with their struggles to recover from what he referred to as “hurts, habits, and hang-ups.”  He always had a joke, or wise expression ready, and lived life by his favorite phrase, “Life is hard by the yard, but by the inch it’s a cinch.” 

Michael loved his family and is survived by: his wife of 33 years, Paula May-Bliss; son, Jason Bliss and his wife Lori Bliss; daughter, Kimberly Scott and husband Charles Scott; daughter, Colleen Kelly, all residing in Richmond, MO; daughter, Christina Giambrone and husband Len Giambrone of North Andover, MA; 10 grandchildren: Kayla Bliss, Breeana Huwe (Heath), Hanna Bliss, Mckenna Bliss, River Bliss, Jacob Clark, Morrisey Martinez, Joshua Martinez, Bryan Scott, Jesse Scott, and one grandchild on the way; one great-grandson, Mason Huwe; two sisters, Patricia Robertson and Cindy Pelissier of California; and two brothers, Stephen Bliss of California and Richard Bliss of Minnesota. 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the donor’s choice.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085. 

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00 A.M.  The family requests that masks be required to attend services.  Private family interment will be held on Monday, January 10, 2022, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville.  Military Honors provided by United States Air Force and the Ray County Veterans.  Please remember to share your memories of Mike with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.