George Miller Krater

George was a military veteran, having served his country for over 21 years in the United States Air Force. During his service he was stationed in Hawaii three times, the San Antonio area three time, and the Pentagon. His favorite assignments were to Hawaii and was fortunate enough to be involved in taking Hawaiian culture exhibits to the 1964 New York and 1968 San Antonio World’s Fairs. He retired from active duty in 1975 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas and relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was the Chief of Security for Bishop Square.

George was an avid classic car enthusiast, and while in Hawaii he found his dream car - a 1951 Mercury sedan with suicide doors and whitewall tires. The front end was hot white that turned into red flames that cooled to a perfect yellow over the hood and fanned out over the rest of the car. He drove it all around Oahu and hopped to the other Hawaiian islands with other classic car owners.

He decided to retire to Texas to be close to family in 1992 and brought the car with him. San Antonio proved to be the center for showing off his Cool ‘51 Merc. He and his newfound friends founded the South Texas Car Club. George began showing off his Mercury locally and coast-to-coast bringing over 100 trophies home. He also loved NASCAR and attended races at many tracks across the county cheering his favorite drivers. He enjoyed watching classic car auctions and was a huge country music fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Calvin Krater; his wife of 21 years, Florence Deffenbaugh; and wife of 35 years, Florence Storch.

George is survived by his son, George M. Krater Jr; daughter, Tammera McVicker (Robert); granddaughters, Leah McVicker, Jennifer Hangley (Robert), and Melissa McVicker (Kyle Bryant); and great-grandchildren, Noah, Caleb, Joshua, Sydney, Taylor, and Dylan.

The family would like to thank his Amedisys Hospice nurses, Crystal Duffy and Amber Kelso; Reverend Kirsten Hancock and Pastor Rick Jackson for all the loving care they provided for George.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association.

GRAVESIDE SERVICETUESDAY, APRIL 18, 202310:30 AMFORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY1520 HARRY WURZBACH ROADSAN ANTONIO, TX 78209

To view a live stream of the service, please click here.