Billy Eli Brake "Mountain Man", was born August 31, 1934 at Birch Tree, MO to Henry and Marie (Ward) Brake. Bill passed away June 10, 2024, in Springfield, MO at the age of 89 years, 9 months, 10 days.

Bill spent his entire life concerned for his family; it was common for him to speak to each of his six siblings many times a week just to catch up and make sure they and their families were well.  Later in life, he enjoyed keeping a close eye on his immediate family online; they always knew Papa was watching. Bill truly loved and adored his immediate and extended family always looking for family connections with anyone he met.

Bill was drafted into the Army in 1957, serving two years in Germany. Bill was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and shooter with a passion for sharing his love of the outdoors with everyone.  Bill was proud of his Cherokee heritage and a long-time member of the Ozark Mountain Longrifles. Drawn to the primitive lifestyle, Bill enjoyed black powder rendezvous, Pioneer Days, constructing primitive rifles and knives, beading, and campfire cooking, as well as, teaching others these skills.

Bill's love of animals was never in question, raising, and training Missouri Foxtrotter horses were some of his happiest days. Caring for animals including horses, cattle, hogs, goats, chickens, and his beloved hunting dogs of all varieties, was Bill's lifestyle on the farm he dearly loved.

You could often find Bill enjoying games of all types, spending many hours playing card games with people around the world, watching rodeo, and cheering on his team, THE St. Louis Cardinals!

Bill never ran out of projects; when you would speak with him, he was always working on or thinking of new projects to keep him busy or provide him something new to learn. This is how those who knew him will remember him forever.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marie Brake; 4 infant siblings; one brother, Donnie Brake; two sisters, Lorene Woolford, and Earlene Pierce; one sister-in-law Elsie Brake; three brothers-in-law, Bill Woolford, Bill Pierce, and Eddie Davis; two nephews, Billy Pierce, and Jimmy Brake.

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Clara Brake of Mountain View, MO; one son Troy Brake and wife Jacque of Springfield, MO; two grandsons, Dakota Brake and wife Teran of Springfield, MO; and Dalton Brake of Mountain View, MO; one granddaughter; Isabella Brake of Springfield MO; two sisters; Shirley Mills and Husband Bill of Canute, Ok and Judy Davis of Stroud, OK; one brother, George Brake of Birch Tree, MO; one sister-in-law, Elaine Brake; and three great-granddaughters, Lyla, Marley, and Claire.

The Brake family would like to acknowledge and thank Danny, Mike, and Elaine Brake for their undying love and support throughout this difficult time.

Memorial services are at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Birch Tree, Missouri, with Pastor Jeff Brake officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Birch Tree. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.