Paul Houston Brake, 94, of Eureka died July 2, 2023, in Chesterfield. Mr. Brake taught in the Rockwood School District for more than 30 years after teaching in one-room schoolhouses. He earned a master’s degree in education from Arkansas State College. He was president of the Missouri Area Bluegrass Committee, a charter member and deacon of Ballwin Baptist Church, and a recipient of the Missouri Bluegrass Music Award. Born May 16, 1929, in Eminence, he was the son of the late Goldie (Conner) and John Brake.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years: Frankie (Wilson) Brake; two children: David (Kim) Brake of Leslie and Ronald (Sheri) Brake of Eureka; eight grandchildren: Scott Brake of Kansas City, Seth and Conner Brake, both of Republic, Sarah Brake of Fulton, Paul Brake of Union, James Brake of Cape Girardeau, Justin Brake of Lake Charles, La., and Kristin (Brake) Hancock of Eureka; eight great-grandchildren: Benjamin Brake of Kansas City, Aiden Faison of Fulton, Kelsey, Kodey and Karsyn Brake, all of Union, Rebekah Brake of Cape Girardeau, and Luca and Beatrice Hancock, both of Eureka; and a brother-in-law: James Bridge of Littleton, Colo.
He was preceded in death by a son: Richard "Randy" Brake; two sisters: Ida Stoops Craig and Betty Jo Bridge; and a grandson: John Brake.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Victorian Gardens, 15 Hilltop Village Center Drive, in Eureka, immediately followed by a celebration of life officiated by Ken McDonnell. Arrangements are under the direction of Schrader Funeral Home.