Ned Hamilton Brake
Ned Hamilton Brake, 65 of Owensville, MO, formerly of Sullivan passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Ned was born on November 11, 1958, to the late Phillip Lane and Alberta Jean “Tootie” (Saddoris) Brake in Fanning, MO. He spent his youth in the halls of Sullivan High School, graduating in 1977, and finding his partner in joy, Mary Louise McGraw, with whom he joined hands in marriage on March 24, 1984.
Ned’s career journey started modestly at a Christmas tree farm, took a turn through Burger Chef, and ultimately led Ned to the manufacturing of airplane parts. As a skilled penetrant inspector, he made his mark at Tradco, RTI Manufacturing, and finally at Ozark Mountain Technology where his colleagues collected tales of his pranks and humor.
In his spare time, Ned enjoyed building Legos and watching trains with his grandsons, Braxton & Lane. He also loved observing airplanes with his brother, Phil. Ned enjoyed spending time watching the show, “Hobo Shoestring” on YouTube, and his fascination with trains was such that his dream job was to be a professional hobo so he could “hop trains”.
Above all, Ned was a man of generous spirit; his kindness knew no bounds. His grandsons, Braxton and Lane, were the shining beacons of his life, inheritors of his jovial spirit and boundless affection. Ned's departure is deeply felt, and his memory will forever resonate with the echoes of his joy and compassion.
Ned is survived by his wife of forty years, Mary Brake of Owensville, MO; two children, Erik Brake of Arkansas and Melissa Arvin and husband Raymond of Owensville, MO; two beloved grandsons, Braxton Alan and Lane Phillip Johnson; one sister, Jerene Dunn of Alto Pass, IL; sisters-in law, Sharon McGraw of Steelville, MO, and Vicki McGraw of Owensville, MO; Peggy O’ Neal and husband Jim and Christine Brake all of Bourbon, MO; son-in-law, William Johnson of Owensville, MO, his aunt, Martha Brake of Sullivan, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Along with his parents, Phillip and Alberta Brake, Ned was preceded in death by his brother Phillip Brake; his grandparents, Walter Brake, Mildred Foster, Elmer & Emma Fortner, and William Saddoris; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Girlie McGraw; brother-in-law, Butch McGraw; sister-in-law, Kathy Matejcek, and special nephew, James O’Neal.
Services will be conducted 11:00 AM, Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Tina Lawrence officiating. Cremation will follow.
Visitation for Ned will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO.
Friends may send online condolences to the Brake family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, MO.