Darrel Brake

Darrel Lee Brake, 74, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Darrel was born January 26, 1950, in Hamburg, Iowa, the son of Deward and Betty Cavner Brake. He graduated from Atlantic High School and earned an associate degree from Marshalltown Community College. He served our country in the US Air Force where he received his education to become a computer programmer. In his early years, sports played an important part in Darrel’s life. He continued that passion through coaching his sons’ sports and then became his grandchildren’s biggest “sports advisor” and fan. In addition, he cheered on KU basketball, KC Chiefs, the Royals, and golf became his full-time retirement hobby. Darrel retired in 2009 after 35 years with Blue Cross Blue Shield, as Director of Information Systems Application Development. Darrel and Leola (Tenbrink) LaBranch were married in Hawaii, in February 2000. They enjoyed traveling, cruises, and attending many KU basketball games, including following the Jayhawks to several Final Fours. They especially enjoyed attending the 2008 Final Four in San Antonio, TX, when the Jayhawks won the Championship! Darrel loved to have fun and touched many lives through his desire to connect with others. He was known for telling playful jokes, speaking like Donald Duck, teasing grandkids, trying to make others smile, or playing pranks. A special memory the grandkids have is of him performing magic tricks to delight them. He was a calm and not easily rattled person. He liked to coach, listen to, mentor and care for others. He was very proud of his sons and his grandchildren were very special to him. He cared deeply and was dearly loved. He will be missed. Grateful to have shared Darrel’s life are his sons, Darren Lee Brake, Chad Ryan Brake (Shannon), T.J. Brake (Maurene); stepdaughters, Amy LaBranch and Becky LaBranch; grandchildren, Jade, Macey, Cory, Emily, Kendall, Reagan, Dyllan, and Jaelynn; step-granddaughter Izzy Porter; great-grandchildren, Hadley, Brett, Charlie, Ava Leigh and Xavier, niece Dawn Wake and great-niece and great-nephew; and his many golfing buddies. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Donnie Brake. Cremation has taken place. Darrel’s Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 27, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Memorial contributions are suggested to Boys and Girls Clubs of Topeka, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shawnee County, or Kansas Children’s Service League and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent on-line to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Darrel Brake

January 26, 1950 - April 16, 2024