Clyde Hubert Collins

Clyde Hubert Collins, 86 of Battle Creek passed away at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, Michigan on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016.

He was born September 23rd, 1929 in Harold, Kentucky, located in Floyd County to Elijah and Virginia Florence Edna (Gibson) Collins. He grew up in Harold, Kentucky and moved to Michigan around 1958. Clyde was employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Pikeville Methodist Hospital in Pikeville, Kentucky. He enjoyed cooking and worked as a cook while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Clyde honorably serviced his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force, and four years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. His service included nearly three years overseas with the 6911th Radio Squadron in Darmstadt, Germany. He also graduated from Quartermaster Food Service School and Pastry School. After the service he was employed at Corning Glass Company in Albion, Michigan for twenty years, until retiring in 1977. After retiring, Clyde moved to Battle Creek with his best friend, Virgil Woods. He continued living in the same house after Virgil passed away, until July of 2015. Clyde moved into Arbor Manor Rehab and Nursing Center which was his new home this past year, where he enjoyed sharing time with the staff and his buddy Roger.

Clyde is survived by two sisters, Vesta (Virgil) Lane of Cincinnati, Ohio, Bonnie (Kip) Hoag of Concord, Michigan; a niece who was like a sister, Georgia (Jack) Scaggs of London, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah and Virginia Collins; one sister, Nora Stone and seven brothers, Ezra Collins, Palmer Collins, Orville Collins, Gene Collins, Castle Collins, Tilden Collins and Grandville Collins.

Clyde was involved in fund raising for the Democratic Party long ago. Along with cooking and baking, woodworking were also lifelong hobbies. Traveling the world with his best friend, Virgil Woods was always the highlight of each year.

Friends will be received 11:30-12:30pm Tuesday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Pastor Ronald A. Anderson at the funeral home 12:30pm Tuesday, June 28th, 2016. Military honors by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Ft. Custer Honor Guard, committal and interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.