John Franklin Brake, Jr., formerly of Bowling Green, passed away on March 12.
He was preceded in death by his father, John F. Brake, Sr.; his mother, Wanda Greene Brake; and sisters, Mary Jane Brake and Wanda Elizabeth Brake Atwood.
John was born and raised in DuQuoin, Ill. He was known as Sonny Brake and was well known for his running ability, competing in the Illinois state track meet in the half-mile in the 1940s. John was a member of the United States Air Force and served for four years. During that time, he married Antoinette (Toni) Neira. They celebrated 73 years of marriage on Oct. 4, 2024.
John and Toni spend most of their adult life in Bowling Green. John managed the P.N. Hirsch department store and, upon its closing, he worked for the Missouri Highway Patrol Weigh Station until his retirement.
John was very active in the community into his senior years. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church and sang in the choir. While his children were growing up, he was always present at their school functions from sports to concerts to plays. John coached summer Khoury League baseball teams and oversaw the Bowling Green Khoury League baseball program for a few years. In addition, he spent many years broadcasting local sports games on the Bowling Green radio station, KMCR. John enjoyed boating and teaching numerous young people to ski. He played golf, followed a variety of sports teams and traveled with his family on many vacations.
John is survived by wife, Toni; son, Alan (Janice); and daughter, Suzanne (Joseph). Four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren – Angela (Jay) Scott, Brooklyn and Jayson, Michael (Rita) Brake, Jeremiah and Charlie, Timothy (Priscilla) Adams, Jacob and Chloe and Michael (Erin) Adams and Oliver – continue John’s legacy of active family lives.
Visitation and funeral services were held on March 17 at Bibb-Veach Funeral Home. A graveside service was at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bowling Green.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be given to Bowling Green Public Library (John was an avid reader) or Gideons International.
