Jesse Preston Brake, Sr.
1932-10-19 - 2026-01-11
Age 93
Obituary
Jesse Preston Brake Sr., age 93, of Shenandoah, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. He was born on October 19, 1932, in Huntsville, Texas, to Annie Mae Plaster Brake and Ernest Brake. Jesse proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. In just four years of service, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6), a distinction typically requiring far longer service.
During his military career, he was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal, the Korea Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. These honors reflected his dedication, sacrifice, and courage. Following his military service, Jesse built a life rooted in hard work and responsibility. He spent 35 years as a steelworker and later worked for 12 years as a painter for the Cy-Fair Independent School District.
He took great pride in providing for his family and managing his responsibilities with care and integrity. Jesse was known for speaking his mind, telling jokes, and making those around him laugh. He never met a stranger and was quick to strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered. Extremely hardworking, he was always up early tending to his home, vehicles, finances, and daily responsibilities.
He lived by strong morals and ethics, believed in doing things the right way, and took great care to ensure everything in his life was properly planned and handled. In his free time, Jesse enjoyed fishing, hunting, and going out dancing. These activities reflected both his love of the outdoors and his joy for life. Above all, he cherished his family and the time spent with them. Jesse is survived by his loving wife, Maryann Reidy Brake, along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of honesty, laughter, and steadfast dedication.
A viewing will be held on January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m., at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, located at 1700 Normal Park, Huntsville, Texas 77340. Burial will follow at Pine Prairie Cemetery, located at 73 Phil Wood Road, Huntsville, Texas 77320. Jesse Preston Brake Sr. will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
During his military career, he was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal, the Korea Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. These honors reflected his dedication, sacrifice, and courage. Following his military service, Jesse built a life rooted in hard work and responsibility. He spent 35 years as a steelworker and later worked for 12 years as a painter for the Cy-Fair Independent School District.
He took great pride in providing for his family and managing his responsibilities with care and integrity. Jesse was known for speaking his mind, telling jokes, and making those around him laugh. He never met a stranger and was quick to strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered. Extremely hardworking, he was always up early tending to his home, vehicles, finances, and daily responsibilities.
He lived by strong morals and ethics, believed in doing things the right way, and took great care to ensure everything in his life was properly planned and handled. In his free time, Jesse enjoyed fishing, hunting, and going out dancing. These activities reflected both his love of the outdoors and his joy for life. Above all, he cherished his family and the time spent with them. Jesse is survived by his loving wife, Maryann Reidy Brake, along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of honesty, laughter, and steadfast dedication.
A viewing will be held on January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m., at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, located at 1700 Normal Park, Huntsville, Texas 77340. Burial will follow at Pine Prairie Cemetery, located at 73 Phil Wood Road, Huntsville, Texas 77320. Jesse Preston Brake Sr. will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.