WILLIAM EDWARD BRAKE

William Edward Brake, born July 11, 1934, passed into eternity March 29, 2025
William, affectionately known as Bill, lived a life full of love, laughter and remarkable
achievements. He was a dedicated minister, family man, tireless worker and cherished
friend to many. His journey began in the small town of Jackson, Indiana where he was
born to his loving parents, Carl Edward Brake and Ethel Roosa Brake. Bill had six
brothers and one sister.

Bill graduated from high school from Coachella High School. During his junior and
senior years, he drove the school bus to the surrounding townships to make sure other
young people had the opportunity of an education. He joined the military shortly after
graduation where he served in the Army as a Specialist Operations Manager 3 rd class,
during which time he was honored with the Medal of Conduct. This is where he honed
his skills as a mechanic. These skills he would later use to provide for his family and, at
one point, owning his own shop, B & J Auto Electric. That is far from the end of his
story. He met and married his wife of 59 years, Joy Marie Faris Brake and had three
children, Cynthia, Carl and Melissa. He had five grandchildren, Matthew, Melody,
Whitney, Holly and Lisa and nine great grandchildren Sophie, Sawyer, Abby, Cleo,
Andrew, Caleb, Riley, Lucy and Conor. His family was the light of his life. He took
immense pride in their accomplishments, and he treasured the time he spent with them.
After the passing of his wife, Joy, he was fortunate to find love once more when he met
and married his wife of 8 years, Darlene Pitts Brake. They lived a wonderful life
together.

In 1966, at a revival, he gave his life to the Lord. Two years after his baptism he was
ordained as a deacon and faithfully served the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church,
Coachella, CA and the Palm Desert Missionary Baptist Church, Palm Desert, CA.
However, he felt a deeper calling and in 1970 surrendered to the ministry. He pastored
two churches, Fillmore Missionary Baptist Church, Fillmore, CA from 1974-1979 and
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Arlington, (Riverside), CA 1980-1990. He continued
preaching and teaching God’s word, giving his last sermon two weeks before his
passing. From 1981-1985 he attended California Missionary Baptist Institute where he
received his master’s degree in theology.

Bill was a man of diverse interests. He had a passion for music and would sing and play
musical instruments all the time. He loved word puzzles and was an avid Dodgers fan.
He also loved his chihuahua, Kali. Bill had a great sense of humor, telling jokes and silly
stories and singing silly songs.

His legacy is one of faith, love, generosity and resilience. He touched many lives with
his warm smile, gentle demeanor and unwavering support. His passing leaves a void
that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
William Edward Brake will be remembered fondly and missed dearly. His spirit will live
on in the hearts of his family and friends, and his stories will be cherished for
generations to come.

Bill is survived by his wife Darlene Pitts Brake, daughter Cynthia Coleman (John) and
Melissa Cook (Ron). Preceded in death by his wife, Joy Faris Brake and son, Carl
Edward BraKE.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

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