John Franklin Brake Jr.

John Franklin Brake, Jr., formerly of Bowling Green, MO, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, John F. Brake, Sr., his mother, Wanda Greene Brake, and two sisters, Mary Jane Brake and Wanda Elizabeth Brake Atwood. John was born and raised in DuQuoin, IL. He was known as Sonny Brake and well known for his running ability, competing in the Illinois State Track Meet in the half mile in the 1940’s. John was a member of the United States Air Force and served for four years. During that time, he married Antoinette (Toni) Neira, and they celebrated 73 years of marriage last October 4th. John and Toni spent most of their adult life in Bowling Green, MO. John managed the P. N. Hirsch department store and upon its closing, he worked for the MO Highway Patrol Weigh Station until his retirement. John was very active in the community into his senior years. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church and sang in the choir. While his children were growing up, he was always present at their school functions, from sports to concerts and plays. John coached summer Khoury League baseball teams and oversaw the Bowling Green Khoury League baseball program for a few years. In addition, he spent many years broadcasting local sports games on the Bowling Green radio station, KMCR. John enjoyed boating-teaching numerous young people to ski. He played golf, followed a variety of sports teams, and traveled with his family on many vacations. John is survived by his wife, Toni, his son, Alan (Janice), and daughter, Suzanne (Joseph). Four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Angela (Jay) Scott, Brooklyn and Jayson, Michael (Rita) Brake, Jeremiah and Charlie, Timothy (Priscilla) Adams, Jacob and Chloe, and Michael (Erin) Adams and Oliver, continue John’s legacy of active family lives. John will be laid to rest on Monday, March 17th, at Bibb-Veach Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bowling Green. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be given to Bowling Green Public Library (John was an avid reader) or Gideons International.

John Franklin Brake Jr.

September 18, 1928 - March 12, 2025