Beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, Don Brake, 52, of Morgantown, passed away on Oct. 25, 2022. He battled Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for 13 months before passing away surrounded by his loved ones.
A proud Mountaineer, Don graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in journalism. College football Saturdays, you could find Don alternately cheering his beloved Mountaineers and questioning referee calls. In addition to the Mountaineers, Don was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates, rooting for them always no matter their wins and losses.
Don was also an active member of West Virginia 4-H since youth. He was inducted as a WV All-Star and continued his service by volunteering as a camp counselor at Older Member’s Conference (OMC) at Jackson’s Mill for over 15 years. He loved his 4-H community and regarded them as extended family. Sharing a council circle bench with him was a true honor.
Don’s passion for and knowledge of music was extensive. He worked in the radio industry for over 25 years and was blessed to have made life-long friendships. His latest station was KIX 96 WJCL as the Operations manager/program director with Cumulus Media. Some other stations you may recall Don’s voice from include KAYD, 99.9 WFRE, 98.1 WHWK, 102.3 WCAT and 104.7 WAYZ (WWMD, WSRT, WCBG).
Don had a wonderful sense of humor, especially during critical life moments. You couldn’t know Don for long without finding out he was once struck by lightning and lived to tell the tale, which he somehow made humorous in retrospect. Don had a great wit and generous spirit: he loved to make people laugh and always wanted those around him to have a great time. He had a welcoming personality that uplifted all that encountered him. He was able to connect with folks with ease.
Don was a loving father to his eight-year-old daughter, Naomi. She was the love of his life; his great accomplishment. They enjoyed playing board games, watching movies, going to the beach and listening to music and dancing. He also loved his wife, America, deeply, and she brought great happiness to his life.
Don is survived by his wife, America L Cañas-Brake; daughter, Naomi; stepson, Zachary; father, Richard Brake; mother, Judith Hawkins; brother, Richard Brake; and sister, Carolyne Brake. He also leaves behind his 4-H and radio family and many other family and friends who loved him. Don had a big heart and a big sense of humor, and his love and laughter will live on in the hearts of his friends and family.
A celebration of life memorial was held at Baker McCullough Funeral Home — Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80, Garden City, GA 31408, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald Scott Brake please visit www.bakermccullough.com/store/home-or-office?icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#.
