Bernard “Bernie” Wayne Napier

Bernard “Bernie” Wayne Napier was born March 13, 1953 to Wayne and Rosalie Napier of Tarkio Missouri. Bernie passed away October 20, 2026 of natural causes at the age of 73 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

From a young age Bernie had a strong sense of duty to protect those around him, which led him to a long and distinguished career in Law Enforcement. Bernie began working as a Police Officer for the St. Joseph Police department in 1974 while he finished his degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Missouri Western State College, graduating in 1975. In January 1977 he became a Deputy Sheriff in Nodaway County, working in response to the tornados that tore through the county that year. In 1980, Bernie joined the Federal Protective Service in Kansas City, embarking on a distinguished career in federal law enforcement. Over the years, he led and commanded multiple federal task forces, that included response operations for Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Bernie’s legacy of service also included some of our nations most historic events such as the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995, the tragedy of 9/11 in Washington, D.C. and the federal response in Kansas City, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Throughout Bernie’s years of service, he was the recipient of many awards including the Medal of Valor in 1993 for actions performed at the Federal Court House in Topeka, Kansas. Though he retired in 2007 his service to the community did not end, as he continued to volunteer with the Clay County Sheriff’s Emergency Management team.

Bernie was also an avid family man; he married Debra Nance in 1978 who shared his sense of duty as a dispatcher. In 1985 Jason Wayne joined the family as their only child. From Civil War Era living history to Boy Scouts, Bernie and family always kept busy and involved in the community. He loved to travel and spend time outdoors – hunting, fishing the boundary waters in Minnesota, and spending time caring for their property.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Debra; son Jason, daughter-in-law Sara, and grandchildren, Caleb, Caden, Cassie, and Atlas; as well as his sister, Margaret; niece, Laurie, Laurie’s husband Wayne, and her children and grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Rosalie and Joseph, and nephew, Dale (Jr.)

Please join the family to celebrate the life of Bernie on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Barbee Presbyterian, 501 Tiger Dr., Excelsior Springs, Mo. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m., service to follow, with interment at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.