Vernon Edward Schrater, 86, died February 28, 2010 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born April 8, 1923 at rural Timken, Kansas, the son of Edward and Marie (Hofbauer) Schrater. He married Marjorie Elizabeth Yost October 7, 1944 at Alexander, Kansas. A farmer and machinist, Mr. Schrater was a resident of Great Bend since 1960, coming from Timken. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Aleutian Islands. He received the Bronze Star for his military service. Mr. Schrater was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Great Bend; a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, both of Timken; Tired Iron Club; and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. He built and raced cars, having a specific interest in modified and stock cars, which was also an interest shared with the entire family. In all of his pursuits, he strove for perfection. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie, of the home; twin sons: Steven Kent Schrater and wife Kathy, Roy, Utah; and Roger Vernon Schrater and wife Jeanita, Albany, Oregon; one sister, Velma Schneider, Atlanta, Georgia; five grandchildren: Mike Schrater and wife Jo, Jared Schrater and wife Kerri, Kristtoffer Schrater and wife Melissa, Karsten Schrater and wife Misty, and Terri Jo Glover and husband Mike; and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Trinity United Methodist Church. The Reverend Jeffrey Slater will officiate. Burial with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard will be at Larned Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, 2010, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Trinity United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home.