Gilbert Owen Shapiro

Gilbert O. Shapiro passed away on December 23, 2025 at the age of 90.

The famed “Officer Gil” was a well-known police officer in the Johnson County area.

Originally serving in Overland Park and Lenexa he found his home with Mission Police in Mission, Kansas. He became known as “Officer Gil” through a morning radio show on WHB, reporting on traffic conditions in the greater Kansas City Area for many years making him a local celebrity. During this time he impacted many young people through the Federal Initiative D.A.R.E on drug use education.

Born in St. Louis Missouri he married Jessica Smuckler his high school sweetheart and remained married for almost 50 years until her death in 2003.

Gil and Jessica moved to Kansas City in 1963 and became members of Ohev Shalom and later Kehilath Israel.

Gil was a consummate “foodie”. He loved to break bread with those whom he loved.

After retirement he remained active by acting as a local court bailiff. To keep busy, at the young age of 86, he volunteered to be a driver for seniors at the Jewish Heritage Center. He was a member of R.O.M.E.O. His greatest joy was traveling to Israel to be with his family.

After the death of his wife, he was blessed to meet Ann Tannenbaum. For the last 23 years, Ann and her daughters Erica (Dave) Bush and Jana (Kenny) Mann became a second family to him. They brought much love, light and fun into his life.

Gil is survived by his two children, Cheryl (Victor) Stiebel and Bruce (Judy) Shapiro. Both of Jerusalem Israel. David Shapiro his youngest child predeceased him in 1993

He leaves behind a great legacy of seven grandchildren: Jason (Ilene) Gold; Raizy (Zvi) Hager; Gitty (Yisrael) Sheinberg; Esti (Rafi) Eberstark; Shlomo (Esti) Shapiro; Aliza (Kalman) Yurman. All will miss him greatly.
His beloved grandson Aaron Gold predeceased in 2010.

Along with them are 29 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters. All who doted over him.

His Brother in law, Mr. Joseph Smuckler, nephew Brad (Erin) Smuckler and niece Lisa (Neil) Rothstein.

In addition, his brother Steve Shapiro of St. Louis and brother in law, Joe Shine both of St. Louis and many nephews.

The family wishes to thank Rebbetzin Esther Friedman, Brenda Rosenthal, and Mindy Wajcman for all their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to Torah Learning Center (Meals on Wheels) or B.I.A.V Synagogue.

Graveside services will be 10:00am Friday, December 26, 2025 at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery, 1901 Blue Ridge Blvd, Independence, MO.

The family will have Shiva visitation from Saturday, December 27th from 7:00pm – 10:00pm and then Sunday – Wednesday from 10:00am – 1:00pm and again from 7:00pm – 10:00pm each of those nights. Please call the funeral home for address information.