Robert Scott Brake

Robert Scott Brake entered the world on September 6, 1957, in Tipton, Indiana, born to Albert and Marilyn Brake during an era of post-war optimism in America's industrial heartland. Growing up in the Midwest, Robert was surrounded by the values of hard work, family loyalty, and service that would define his character throughout his life. He was part of a close-knit family that included his brothers Floyd and Larry Brake, with whom he shared the bonds of childhood and the foundation of lifelong relationships.

As a young man, Robert answered his nation's call to service by proudly joining the United States Air Force, where he dedicated himself to his country with distinction. His military service represented more than duty—it was the beginning of a life committed to something greater than himself. The discipline, technical training, and leadership skills he developed in the Air Force would serve him well in his civilian career and family life.

It was during his adult years that Robert met the love of his life, Joni Kay Hall, who was born on May 7, 1959, in Marion, Indiana, to Johnnie and Janice Hall. Joni brought her own dedication to service, working for more than twenty years as a Registered Nurse at Dyess Air Force Base through the 7th Medical Group, where she served with compassion and dedication. Together, Robert and Joni built a marriage founded on shared values of faith, service, and unwavering commitment to family.

The couple established their home in Abilene, Texas, where they would raise their three children and build a legacy of love and service. Robert found his professional calling at Abilene Lumber Door & Truss, where he worked for over thirty years, earning the respect of colleagues and customers alike through his hard work, dependability, and quiet strength. His long tenure at the company spoke to his character—in an era of frequent job changes, Robert's loyalty and dedication stood as a testament to his values.

As a father, Robert was devoted to his three children: Robert L. Brake Jr., who married Jennifer and made his home in Burleson, Texas; Liza D. Brake, who married Tomoji Shino and settled in San Antonio; and Lucas C. Brake, who remained in Abilene with his girlfriend Irene. Robert and Joni took immense pride in watching their children grow into adults who carried forward the family's values of integrity and service.

The joy Robert found in his role as grandfather and great-grandfather was immeasurable. He and Joni were blessed with six grandchildren—Taelor, Briana, Patrick, Myka, Ryen, and Boss—and six great-grandchildren—Laila, Averie, Blaire, Stone, Tucker, and Boone. Robert and Joni were described as "a constant presence in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought them unending joy and pride." These relationships represented the culmination of Robert's devotion to family and his commitment to being an active, loving presence across four generations.

Throughout his life, Robert's faith served as his anchor. His obituary noted that his and Joni's "lives were rooted in service—to their faith, to their country, to their community, and above all, to their family." This hierarchy of commitments revealed the depth of Robert's character and the intentional way he lived his life, always putting his deepest values first.

Tragically, Robert's life came to an abrupt end on July 4, 2025, when he and Joni were swept away by catastrophic floodwaters along the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas. They had traveled to spend the holiday weekend with family when unprecedented rainfall caused the river to rise with terrifying speed. Their son received a warning call around 4:50 a.m., but within six minutes, their cabin was completely swept away by the rushing waters. The couple's deaths were part of a larger tragedy that claimed 117 lives in the Kerr County floods.

Even in grief, Robert's family demonstrated the values he had instilled in them. His son Robert Jr. participated in search and recovery efforts, telling reporters, "We came down to help in the search efforts. Maybe not be able to find my parents under this tragedy, but maybe we can help somebody else find theirs and have some closure and peace." This response embodied Robert's own spirit of service and putting others before oneself.

Robert's legacy lives on not only through his children and grandchildren but through the Kindness is Free Foundation, established in his and Joni's memory. The foundation, which was recognized by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, promotes kindness education and empowers youth to treat everyone with fairness and empathy. Robert's family asked that those wishing to honor his memory should "smile at someone today. Call a loved one. Walk up to a stranger and simply say hello"—simple acts that reflect the warmth and genuine care Robert showed throughout his 67 years of life.