CHARLES MICHAEL BRAKE
July 28, 1947 to March 1, 2023
Edmond, Oklahoma

Mike's Obituary

Charles Michael (Mike) Brake was born on July 28, 1947 to Dr. Charles M. and Betty Hess Brake, both of whom predeceased him, as did his sons Charles Sean and Christopher Michael, and spouses Kay and Judy. He is survived by daughter Andrea Kay Brake, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, siblings Rick, Debbie and Peggy, and beloved girlfriend Sandy Kamas. Mike was a 12-year graduate of Putnam City Schools (1965) and was active in alumni affairs and as a member of the governing committee for the Putnam City Schools Museum. After attending OU he graduated from UCO. Mike began his writing career as a reporter specializing in crime coverage for both the Oklahoman and the Oklahoma Journal. He later worked in advertising and public relations and was chief writer for Gov. Frank Keating, where he was honored to edit the bestselling oral history of the OKC bombing. Throughout his career his work was published in many local and national periodicals, and he authored the centennial history of Putnam City Schools and, with First Lady Cathy Keating, a pictorial and text guide to the state executive mansions. Mike was an avid amateur astronomer, serving on the board of the Kirkpatrick Planetarium and in a number of roles with the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club. He was also active in Scouting, serving as a district chairman and in many unit roles. For 22 years he was an adjunct faculty member at OSU-OKC. For 30-plus years he was a grateful friend of Lois W. As a Republican activist he played roles in many campaigns, including those of Ronald Reagan. In semi-retirement he served as public information officer for County Commissioner Brian Maughan and as a consulting writer for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. An avid reader, he amassed a personal library of some 2,000 volumes. He was also a devoted lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also honored to have been named to honorary membership in the Fraternal Order of Police and the Retired Police Officers Association, in recognition of his long service as a crime reporter. In lieu of a service, he urges those who wish to remember him to read a good book or spend a night stargazing.