Charles Brake
Alton | Save
Charles W. Brake, 92, passed away at 8:35 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Jerseyville Manor.
He was born on November 17, 1931, in Alton, IL, the son of the late Elvin and Maryellen (Jeffords) Brake. Charles married Patty Ohley on June 30, 1950, and she preceded him in death on December 2, 2013.
Charles served as the 5th Ward Alderman for the City of Alton for many years. He was a member of the Franklin Masonic Lodge #25 AF & AM, as a DeMolay, then he achieved Master Mason, and later became a shriner. Throughout his career, he worked with several companies, including Laclede Steel as an electrician and Illinois Power Company, where he supervised the construction of generators for the Baldwin Power Plant in Baldwin, IL. He also served as a supervisor and Instrument Specialist at ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia and owned and operated Brake Electronics.
An avid woodworker, Charles was known for his handyman skills and had the remarkable ability to fix just about anything.
Charles is survived by four children: William Brake of Cape Girardeau, MO; Edward (Maryellen) Brake of Godfrey; Donna (Daniel) Bizaillion of Hardin; and John (Mindy) Brake of Alton. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Joy Brake of Euless, TX; nine grandchildren: David (Robin) Brake, Jennifer Capps, Kelby Brake, Ian (Emily Slat) Brake, Jordan (fiancé Dominick Casucci) Brake, Mariah (Drew) Eilerman, Emily (Drae) Cox, Jacob (Kelvin Urday) Bizaillion, and CJ Brake; ten great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Yvonne Ohley of Alton; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many friends and family.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Charles A. Brake; son-in-law Gary Sides; three siblings and their spouses, Olivia (Dewey) Harris, Louise (Lafe) Fields, Roy Len Brake; and a brother-in-law, Herb Ohley.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. until Masonic Services conducted by Franklin Masonic Lodge #25 AF&AM at 12 p.m. at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, followed immediately by funeral services conducted by Pastor Jim Kiel. Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Online condolences and the guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
