Wilbur Jay Brake

Wilbur Jay Brake, 85 years old of Wren, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur.

He was born on Saturday, February 7, 1931 in Van Wert, Ohio the son of the late Kenneth M. Brake, Sr. and the late Bessie Mae (Lou) Brake.

Wilbur served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1948 to 1954.  He was a very proud veteran and was looking forward to goin on the Honor Flight to Washington DC, but Jesus took him on the ultimate flight of his life.

He served as Van Wert County Sheriff's Deputy for several years & was a volunteer fireman for Wren Fire Department for several years. He was also a member of various Lion's Club Associations, the V.F.W. and the American Legion in Van Wert, Ohio.

Wilbur retired from Zollner Pistons in Fort Wayne, Ind. and then moved to Boyd, Tex. where he owned and operated his own auto service station for years. After moving back to Indiana, he worked for Auto Zone in Warsaw, Ind. as a hub delivery driver until the age of 82. He also served as a council member in Silver Lake, Ind. for several years. He enjoyed being around the automotive field & tinkering on cars, bowling, & socializing as a hobby. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren and loved dogs.

Surviving are his son, Phil Brake of Marietta, OK; daughter, Penny Brake of Decatur, IN; son, Mark (Karen) Brake of Wren, OH; former wife, Dorothy Kneller-Brake of Silver Lake, IN; brother, Kenneth Brake, Jr. of Van Wert, OH; six grandchildren, Joshua (Jamie) Brake of Weatherford, TX; Amanda Brake of Dallas, TX; Blake (Erica) Strouse of Chicago, IL; Megan Strouse of Costa Mesa, CA; Jessica Cochran (Tom) Williman of Perrysburg, OH; & Tyler (Brittany) Cochran of Van Wert, OH; four great-grandchildren, Myles, Sylas, Flynn Williman and Deacon Cochran; and several nieces & nephews.

Preceding Wilbur in death were three sisters, and former wife, Ruth Ann (Clifton) Brake.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2016 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Military Honors to be conducted at the funeral home by the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur.

Friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, July 1 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur .

Preferred memorials are to Community Health Professionals Home Health & Hospice in Van Wert, Ohio.