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Paul Brake

Paul Anthony Brake of Lenexa, KS, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the age of 63, in the presence of his family.

 

Paul was born to Doug and Ruth Brake on May 17, 1956 in Raytown MO. He grew up as one of 6 siblings and attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school. Paul also attended Rockhurst High School where he served as student body president in 1974, Creighton University were he was a member of the Rugby team and Kansas State University, where he enjoyed general shenanigans while attaining his education and remained a lifelong Wildcats fan. 

 

Paul was formerly married to Nancy Layne of Olathe KS, and previously to Ann Bingham of Kansas City, MO. His greatest love in life were his 10 children and 15 grandchildren for whom he devoted his life to raise, mentor, coach, protect, play and share his faith. They were his biggest joy and proudest achievement.

 

Paul’s second family were his coworkers at Huhtamaki INC, DeSoto KS where he served as Item Master Developer (and “Guardian of the Christmas Lights”) for 13 years. He was dedicated to his work and brought humor, experience and encouragement to those around him.

 

Paul was loyal, caring and remained a friend to all he met on the path of life. He looked forward to regular gatherings to share memories and toasts with his Rockhurst high school buddies of 45 years up until his passing. He loved sharing holidays with his brothers, family and co-workers. Paul had a servant heart, was a caretaker of people, and often volunteered to take on the least desired tasks to complete projects or help others. He took on any ministry needing a pair of hands to fill school back packs for children in need, serve food, set up chairs, help with scout camps, lead Awana, read to kids at the grade school, coach a variety of youth sports, lead teen bible studies, and countless other tasks behind the scenes. He often packed his own children’s lunches for school and always drew a cartoon character and a personal message on the sack. He saw the best in people.

 

Paul loved to travel, took Chinese language lessons in his 60’s, experimented with cooking new things, and enjoyed The Three Stooges and bad jokes like no one else. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

 

Paul was preceded in death by his infant son William “Billy” Brake, his parents Douglas Brake and Ruth Fahling Brake, as well as his brother Michael Brake.

 

He leaves behind his beloved children: David Brake, Manhattan KS;  Benjamin Brake, Overland Park KS;  Steven Brake, Kansas City MO,  Rebecca Brake, Kansas City MO;  Hailey Cowles (Timothy), Olathe KS;  Joseph Brake, Seoul Korea;  Heidi Fryar (Daniel), San Antonio TX;  Heather Traxel (Jason), Richardson TX; and Lydia Kepler (Brett), Gardner KS.

 

And his grandchildren: Ayden, McKenna, Dakota, Kale, Hadley, Boone, Gus, Maddy, Toby, Seren, Everett, Caedmon, Lilly, Margaret and Jack.

 

Paul also leaves behind his brothers (and lifelong friends): Peter Brake (Jill), Belton, MO; Timothy Brake (Julie) Westwood, KS; Jon Brake (Bonnie) Blue Springs, MO; Christopher Brake (Denise); Cold Springs, MN; and dear sister Mary Ann Brake, Liberty MO.

Paul greatly missed and looked forward to finally being reunited with his best fur-buddy and companion “Buddy” (The Wonderdog), who also preceded him in death.

 

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday Aug 31, 2019 at Olathe Christian Church, 1115 S. Ridgeview Rd. Olathe, KS. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. The family requests contributions to the following charities in lieu of flowers:

 

*American SIDS Institute at SIDS.org

*National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at npcf.us

*American Cancer Society

 
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Services

Additional Service: Visitation
Location: Olathe Christian Church
Address: 1115 S. Ridgeview Rd.
City: Olathe
State: Kansas
Zip Code: 66062
Date of Service: Aug 31, 2019
Time of Service: 10:00 am
Additional Information: No Additional Information Added
Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map
Additional Service: Celebration of Life
Location: Olathe Christian Church
Address: 1115 S. Ridgeview Rd.
City: Olathe
State: Kansas
Zip Code: 66062
Date of Service: Aug 31, 2019
Time of Service: 11:00 am
Additional Information: No Additional Information Added
Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Suki Smith Aug 23, 2019

Friend & Co-Worker ,Kansas

To the entire Brake family, It has been a deep honor to have had time with Paul. He & I started at Huhtamaki around the same time so as the years passed, our friendship grew. He always brought a smile to my face and very often we shared some not so P.C. jokes! :) The strength and courage he had the last few years are a tribute to his never-ending love of life and God. He was, is, and always will be an example to all of how to live life! He is dearly missed! All my love, Suki Smith

Suki Smith Aug 23, 2019

Friend & Co-Worker ,Kansas

To the entire Brake family, It has been a deep honor to have had time with Paul. He & I started at Huhtamaki around the same time so as the years passed, our friendship grew. He always brought a smile to my face and very often we shared some not so P.C. jokes! :) The strength and courage he had the last few years are a tribute to his never-ending love of life and God. He was, is, and always will be an example to all of how to live life! He is dearly missed! All my love, Suki Smith

Joe Hilboldt Aug 23, 2019

friend ,overland park ,Louisiana

what a great obituary!! Hits all the great qualities of a Great Man!! I will miss my friend Paul at our Rockhurst gatherings. But I will never forget. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Megan A Chichester Aug 23, 2019

Huhtamaki (Co-worker) ,Lawrence ,Kansas

Oh, where to begin with Paul? Well, I guess the fact that he was ornery, had an incredible sense of humor, a wry/kind smile, is what made a great impression upon working with him for the past 14 years. I instantly liked Paul the moment I met him. We are all lucky to have known him. Huhtamaki co-workers could often expect Paul to pepper in a witty or funny comment on our conference calls and/or daily interactions. He really treated people with respect and a calm demeanor. I never heard him raise his voice, other than to chuckle. When he bravely informed us of his illness, there was a tidal wave of pang that flowed through the room. He touched so many people. The big guy in the sky gained a great soul. That Paul will be sorely missed is an understatement...there just aren't enough words to describe what an impact he made on us. May comfort and peace fill the hearts of his family and friends.

Christy Link Seele Aug 23, 2019

Friend ,Belvue ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your loss. Paul was a wonderful man who lived life big. I am praying for you all as you navigate this path of sorrow. Much love to you all. Christy

Monica Levens Aug 24, 2019

Friend ,Scottsdale ,Arizona

I knew Paul years ago when I was friends with his brother Chris. Paul was a great guy. The whole family was very kind. So sorry for the family’s loss. May he Rest In Peace 🙏🏻

Steve Rosenthal Aug 25, 2019

Friend ,Overland Park, KS

Old friend from the Rock. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Paul will be missed

Jin Lee Aug 25, 2019

Co worker ,Dayton ,Ohio

I was deeply saddened when I head about Paul's passing. He was a great co worker, and his sense of humor brightened my days. I'm glad I got to know him, and will miss him. May he rest in peace.

Mark Raab Aug 26, 2019

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Paul, a fellow classmate and a true blue friend. He possessed a witty and wonderful sense of humor but always managed to offer sage and sensible advice when needed. He will truly be missed. My condolences to the entire Brake family. Mark Raab

John Benge Aug 27, 2019

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Paul will never be forgotten by the Rockhurst Class of '74 and will always be a part of us. He embodied the motto/cheer we were so proud of during our time there: THE ROCK DON'T QUIT! RIP Paul...you will be greatly missed.

Sam Blaesing Aug 27, 2019

Co-worker ,De Soto ,Kansas

Brake family, Paul was loved dearly by all who were lucky enough to know him. I started at Huhtamaki directly out of college (KU...that brought some fun rivalry around football season!) and felt comfortable going to him right off the bat with questions I knew he would find silly but would happily help me with. He was always a joy to be around and had a contagious laugh. The joy he brought to the office, especially around Christmas time, will be missed - along with his humorous sarcastic responses! I am sorry for your loss, and I am happy to hear he is finally reunited with his 4-legged pal. Sincerely, Sam

Larry Yoksh Aug 30, 2019

RHS '74 Classmate ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Heartfelt condolences and continued prayers for Paul's family. He will be remembered for so many qualities admired in a man. He was a generous, caring and good friend to all and was courageous and an inspiration in fighting his illness. God Bless his family and friends at this time of great loss.

Patrick Kelley Aug 30, 2019

Classmate at Rockhurst ,Tilmon ,Texas

Thoughts and prayers to Pauls family and friends. He was an all around good man with a quick sense of humor! He will be missed !!

Cubby Aug 30, 2019

‘74 classmates and K State roomies. ,OP ,Kansas

Well Paul, I will try this again. I was very sorry I did not get over before you went to visit Buddy. Tell him I was sorry to separate you 2. He was such a sweet guy just like his daddy. I had no idea your baby had died. Typical me, clueless. Sorry you will miss more KSTRAIGHT misery. Maybe now one of their damn teams will win something. Thanks to Tim, our denouement with Raleigh Eggers was hilarious. I think I had removed all the pickets out of that cheapo picket fence in the backyard. I mean, we needed kindling, dammit. If I ever run into Curtis, I will tell him what an exemplary life you led. A fine and modest and decent man. What more could anyone ask for. Well, I hope we get to watch me do some Al Davis nonsense with JP. You sleep well brother. Your RHS classmates need you still. I hope to see you soon. God will have to give me 2 eons in purgatory. George Carlin said, “ wow, 2 eons man, 2 eons. I can do 2 eons standin’ on my head. Love to you and Buddy, Cubness.