Warren E. Racker, 59, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 23, 2009 at Good Samaritan Society in Winfield.

Born June 10, 1949 in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of Walter E. and Bethel (Warren) Racker. He was raised in Winfield, Kansas; Westhampton, Massachusetts; Hyannis, Nebraska; Okeene, Oklahoma; St. Francis, Kansas and Cobden, Illinois where he graduated from high school in 1967. He went on to receive his BA from Chapman University in 1981, and his Masters from the University of Southern California in 1984.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, Mr. Racker proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Europe, Thailand, Germany, Bosnia, Spain, and Japan. Warren taught military personnel on bases as a professor for the University of Maryland. While in the military, he earned many awards, medals, and ribbons. Warren retired from the Air Force in 1989 with an honorable discharge.

He was united in marriage to Margit Schöll in 1974 in Germany. In 1989, following Warren's military career, the couple moved to Florida. Margit preceded him in death in 1997.

On April 22, 1999, he was united in marriage to Nina "Kay" Parker in a private ceremony in Lawrence. On May 15, 1999, they renewed their vows in front of family and friends in Belknap, KS. The couple made their home in Lawrence, and later moved to Winfield, where Warren worked as the director of security for Creekstone Farms.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Winfield, the Cowley County Storm Spotters, and was a lifelong member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars. Warren enjoyed reading, and studying UFOs, grilling, and spending time with friends and family.

His family includes:
His wife: Kay of the home;
His daughters: Cynthia Grass and husband, Andrew of St. Louis, MO; Keri Whitmore and fiancé, Mike Perin of Winfield, KS; Shelly Whitmore of Winfield, KS;
His father: Reverend Wally Racker of Winfield, KS;
His brother: Walter E. Racker IV and wife, Adele of Tecumseh, KS;
His grandchildren: Alexander Grass, Alexa Flora, Audrey Yingling, Logan Yingling, Kristian Yingling, and Jessamyn Perin; and
His best friends Russell and Marilyn Wedd of Winfield.
He was preceded in death by his mother, his first wife, Margit, his sister, Bethel Ellen Pierce, and his brother, Wayne Racker.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 10:00 A.M., at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Military Committal honors will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Memorials have been established in Mr. Racker's name for the First Baptist Church in Winfield, and for Westhampton Massachusetts Library. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.