Robert & Joni

Robert Leroy Brake, Sr., 67, and Joni Kay Brake, 66, of Abilene, Texas, passed away together on July 4, 2025, after being caught in the tragic flooding along the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas.

Robert was born on September 6, 1957, in Tipton, Indiana, to Albert and Marilyn Brake. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before settling in Abilene, where he and Joni built their life together and raised their family. For over 30 years, Robert worked at Abilene Lumber Door & Truss, where he earned the respect of colleagues, customers, and friends for his hard work, dependability, and quiet strength.

Joni was born on May 7, 1959, in Marion, Indiana, to Johnnie and Janice Hall. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joni was known for her warmth, her homemade baking, and her deep care for others. She enjoyed shopping and getting pedicures. She spent more than 20 years working as a Registered Nurse at Dyess Air Force Base, serving with compassion and dedication through the 7th Medical Group.

Robert and Joni’s lives were rooted in service — to their faith, to their country, to their community, and above all, to their family. They were a constant presence in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought them unending joy and pride.

They are survived by their son, Robert L. Brake Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, of Burleson; their daughter, Liza D. (Brake) Shino and her husband, Tomoji, of San Antonio; and their son, Lucas C. Brake and his girlfriend, Irene, of Abilene. Robert and Joni are also survived by their six grandchildren: Taelor, Briana, Patrick, Myka, Ryen, and Boss; and six great-grandchildren: Laila, Averie, Blaire, Stone, Tucker, and Boone.

Additionally, Robert is survived by his brother, Flloyd Brake, and was preceded in death by his brother Larry Brake. Joni is survived by her siblings Joanna K. Paxton, Jerry K. Hall, Julia K. Hall, and Joshua K. Hall, all of Marion, Indiana, and was preceded in death by her brother, James K. Hall.

Funeral services will be held at Beltway Park Church in Abilene on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kindness is Free Foundation, once we get it fully established. The family would like to thank all the rescue teams and support services in Kerrville for their tireless work and compassion.

God is saying to you today, ”I have not forgotten you. I know where you are, and I know how to get you to where you need to be. Even when things don’t go the way you planned, My hand is on you. Do not be afraid. I am working behind the scenes on your behalf, and I will lead you into a life of blessings, purpose, and favor. Trust Me.”

To view the service livestream, click here.