Clark E. Brake

Clark E. Brake, 84, of Blue Rapids, passed away at Community Memorial Health Care in Marysville, Kansas on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. He was born on August 23, 1933 in Blue Rapids to Diamond and Laura (Barrington) Brake.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the First Baptist Church in Blue Rapids with Pastor Jeremy Henderson officiating. Music is provided by organist Breanna Henderson and Soloist Donna Fuller. Music is to include a congregational hymn of “In The Garden” and a solo of “Precious Memories”. Honorary Bearers are Clark’s grandchildren. Military Honors will be provided by Offutt Air Force Base Military Honors Detail and the George Bedford Post 169 of the American Legion in Blue Rapids. Inurnment will be held on a later date, at Prospect Hill Cemetery, north of Blue Rapids.Clark attended schools in Blue Rapids and graduated from Blue Rapids High School. He entered the United States Air Force on April 3, 1953 and served until he was honorably discharged in 1957. While in the service he met Betty Lucas, and they were wed in Denver, Colorado on April 3, 1954. To this union five children were born: Cindy and husband Micheal, Waterville; Carrie Paxton, Kansas City; Michael Brake, Topeka; Lori and husband Francis, Jr (Duke) Van Eperen, Gainsville, Missouri; and Wesley and friend Nancy, Fairbury, Nebraska. As the years went by the family grew and Clark and Betty welcomed 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and recently welcomed a great-great grandson.Following the service Clark and Betty moved back to Blue Rapids, as he wanted to raise his family in the hometown he loved. He began working for Georgia Pacific in Blue Rapids in 1959 and worked there for over 20 years until he was forced to retire with a back injury. He filled his days with his massive garden, where he grew vegetables that he would can or give to family and friends. Clark loved to cook for his family and friends. Many days were spent on the Big Blue River fishing, as he was known to declare "there is nothing better than fresh fish from the river!" Along with fishing he was an avid hunter, KU basketball fan and Kansas City Chiefs football fan.Clark was preceded by his parents, two great-grandsons Trevor and Caelin and a daughter-in-law Rebecca Edwards Brake.Those left to remember him are: wife, Betty, of the home; his children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren; brothers, Jerry and wife Mary Lou of Beatrice, Nebraska and Jon and wife Linda of Blue Rapids; 1 niece; 3 nephews; and many friends.Memorials are suggested to either the First Baptist Church or the George Bedford Post 169 of the American Legion may be sent in care of the funeral home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.