Lawrence O. Brase, Jr.

Lawrence “Haz” O. Brase Jr., age 69, went to be with his heavenly father on Monday September 15, 2025, after a short but aggressive battle with cancer.  He died peacefully surrounded by his family and friends. 

He graduated from SLU (Parks College) and spent 47 years at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing earning the esteemed position of Senior Technical Fellow.  He was instrumental in various different projects and his expertise in extensive structures and flight sciences were on display across numerous programs. 

His career took him across the globe from Australia to England and many places in between to work on various programs that needed help.

He started as a structural dynamicist on the F/A-18 Hornet Program and since then had the opportunity to work on numerous Aerospace vehicles, including the NASA space shuttle replacement.

He mentored countless leaders through the following:

- Engineers Week

- First Robotics

- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

- The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) – He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016

- The Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers (AMAE) at Missouri University of Science & Technology

In his spare time, he loved music and was described as an encyclopedia of music, and loved Bruce Springsteen and saw him countless times, as well as the Beatles. 

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Brase; Son, Justin (Jennifer) Brase and his granddaughters, Avery and Cameron; his sisters, Leah (Mikel) Howton; Angela (Kent) Terrill; Neice and God daughter Tiffany Shimunek, Nephew Derek (Shalan) Brase; Niece Tara Brase and Niece Kristina (Carl) Ziegler; Nephew Josh (Nashmia) Boyles and family and his significant other, Kathy Ackerman Poletti as well as countless family and friends who loved him. 

He was proceeded in death by his father, Lawrence O Brase, Sr.; his brother, Norris Brase; and a sister-in-law, Shiela Brase.

Family and friends whose lives Larry touched are invited to a celebration of life at the Wildey Theatre 252 North Main Street Edwardsville, IL 62025  on November 1st from 3 PM to 6 PM.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to STEM4U2, coordinated by Jackie Blumer, in honor of Larry Brase.

Donations will support STEM education and outreach for students in our region, providing hands-on opportunities and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. This memorial will carry forward Larry’s passion for learning and his dedication to helping young people discover their potential through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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