Donnie Ray Brake

Donnie Ray Brake (Songbird) was born April 20, 1945 at Ironton, MO to Henry and Marie (Ward) Brake.  He passed away April 17, 2023 in Sikeston, MO at the age of 77 years.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Henry, and Marie Brake; his father-in-law, E.R.(Earl) Patterson; 4 infant siblings; two sisters Lorene Woolford and Earlene Pierce; one sister-in-law Elsie Brake; four brother-in-laws Pat Patterson, Bill Woolford, Bill Pierce, and Eddie Davis; two nephews Billy Pierce and Jimmy Brake and niece Jennifer Patterson.  

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elaine Brake of Willow Springs, MO; one daughter Amber Clinton and husband Shannon of Willow Springs, MO, and one son Travis Brake and wife, Michelle of Willow Springs, MO.  Three grandsons Lane Crawford and wife Merissa of Joplin, MO; Peyton Clinton of Willow Springs, MO and Justin Turner and wife Caysie of Independence, MO.  Three granddaughters Jasmine Hays and husband Jeff of Republic, MO; Jordan Vitela and friend Craig Fox of Fenton, MO; and Jocelyn Newman and husband, Payden of Willow Springs, MO, and seven great grandchildren. 2 sisters; Shirley Mills and Husband Bill of Canute, Ok and Judy Davis of Stroud, OK.   2 bothers; Bill Brake and Wife Clara of Mountain View, MO, and George Brake of Birch Tree, MO. His mother-in-law Wilma Patterson of Mountain View, MO.  2 Brother-in-laws David Patterson of Ozark, MO, and Crome Patterson of Mountain View, MO.  24 Nieces and Nephews, and countless distant family members.  

Don graduated high school in 1964 From Birch Tree, MO.  He was shortly then drafted into the Army in 1965, and served in active duty in the Vietnam War, 1966-67. Don enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing, playing pinochle, and visiting with family and friends.

Don was a devoted Christian and family man.  He was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He never met a stranger; it was just a friend he had not met yet.  Don could tell a story better than anyone.  He was greatly loved and will be sadly missed.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Birch Tree, Missouri, with Pastor Jeff Brake officiating. Visitation was held Friday, April 21, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Yarber Mortuary in Birch Tree, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Fisher House or Willow Springs Charitable Events.  Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.