Leslie (Les) Hyde, age 88, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones; step-daughter, Kris Poole, Norman Baker, Christopher Poole in Springfield, Michigan of natural causes on May 20, 2017. Born on March 3, 1929 to John and Grace (Cook) Hyde in Pine Grove, Michigan. At a young age Les pursued a career in show business as a singer and actor. The dream of the bright lights came to fruition after an appearance on the Ted Mack show where he was scouted and introduced to the famous Bob Hope. This newfound connection led to travels with the USO, traveling as far as Japan as he helped entertain US troops. Les continued to pursue his passion for entertainment after his time with the USO, and moved to California where he was contracted by MGM studios. Les’ career in entertainment was cut short due to throat cancer which brought him back to Michigan where he earned a degree in nursing. Les retired from Borgess Hospital after 30 years of service. Upon his return to the Kalamazoo area, Les met his life mate of 44 years, James (Jim) Corkins and gained three daughters, Kris (Corkins) Poole, Korena Corkins, and Vicki Corkins. Les loved animals and took up the hobby of training dogs and showing horses, just to mention a few. Les and Jim spent the majority of their years together in Plainwell, Schoolcraft, and Delton, Michigan. Les though widowed in 2013 is survived by Kris (Corkins) Poole, (Norman Baker), Korena Corkins of Battle Creek, Michigan and Vicki Corkins of Hastings, Michigan, in addition to multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A funeral service to honor Les will be held at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service 375 W. Dickman Road in Battle Creek, Michigan on May 25 at 2 pm with visitation at 1 pm.
Memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society.
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com
Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service
269-788-9800