Hey all, I had to leave the game; my last ball rolled through the Pearly Gates. The good Lord called me home Tuesday morning surrounded by my family and friends. Kayle Keith Hinkle, Sr. of Jackson, Michigan, was born on May 21, 1942 at Mercy Hospital to Bernard Emery and Guila Gayle (Soule) Hinkle. Kayle is survived by his wife, June (Richardson); children, K. Keith Jr (Miriam), Kelley (Chris) Anderson, Jeffrey (Julie); grandchildren, Kayle III (Angela), Cody (Sarah), Kristen (Nick) Bartlett, Casey (Tim) Ofield, Alyssa (Sean) Parent, Austin, Ashlie, Brittany Teegardin; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings, Fred (Becky), Rodney (Wendy), Douglas (Mary), Craig (Jody), Mary Jane Swanson, Susan Tate (Robert) Potter, C.R. "Bill" Tate; and brother-in-law Donald Clark. Also loved were three delightful Burmese girls, Esther M, Siang M, and Esther K who became part of the family as young teenagers, graduated from high school, and years later are now married adding three more to our 19 great-grands. Kayle was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Barbara Hinkle Miner, step-father, C R (Bill) Tate, siblings, Judith Clark, Barbara Jo Coon, Robin Tate Blain, and brother-in-law Jay Swanson. Kayle was a "city" boy growing up in Jackson, delivering papers and eating Bismarcks for breakfast on the route, playing football, basketball, and baseball. His mother and step-father moved to "small town" Hanover, so began Kayle's junior year at Hanover-Horton High School. He was a football player and that year the football program began at Hanover-Horton, and as the only one who had ever played organized football, and at 6'1", he was the quarterback. He also continued basketball and baseball to finish high school in 1960. He was active in the Comet Booster Club which helped build the first press box at the football field. He was part of the group that built tennis courts that became basketball areas. Family went to many recreational basketball and softball games to watch "Dad" play ball. As brother Bill started in football, Kayle volunteered coaching time for the junior high football players. The family went to many football games!! As a father, Kayle was excited about and supportive of all of his children's athletic activities, at home coaching and on the sidelines cheering. Then Grandpa Kayle made it to as many events as humanly possible: soccer, lacrosse, football, tennis, softball, track, band, orchestra, STRIKE, volleyball, basketball, plays, dance recitals, choir, cheer, cross country, bowling, graduations, and birthday parties. Then as great-grandpa, he made it to all the birthday parties he could manage - oldest great-grand is almost 11. One turned 1 on July 11 and Kayle saw some of the party on a Duo call. All the volunteer time came after the work day. First at Goodyear for most of 18 years, then dabbling in silk-screening, finally becoming the Snap-On Tool man for the next 18+ years and blessing many mechanics with financial advice. During his working years, the love of golf began: first in Avery's grass field to get his swing fine-tuned, then at Lake LeAnn Golf Course, with a Goodyear team, then Deer Run Country Club, finally Arbor Hills Country Club. The game suited him quite well and he was blessed with four holes-in-one, not all at Arbor Hills. Kayle served on the Board of Directors at Arbor Hills Country Club and was chair of the Grounds and Greens Committee for a number of years with projects of manually digging and planting trees, working on the pond, getting the Chet Gardner Bridge in place, and some memorial plantings. His love of golf added a different dimension as he took on the leadership of the Battle Creek Area Senior Golf Association, Scheduling courses, pairing players, scoring, banking and compiling the results to publish online for the hundred-plus players. By this time there were grandchildren and time to go to their families and visit; one son in California, one son in Ohio. Fortunately, both son's families moved back to Michigan. Daughter never left Michigan and when grandpa retired, he was able to spend some time taking care of his eighth grandchild. Kayle's work ethic was very great and his financial mind kept things going very well. So, he decided to have a home built to fit the needs for his Snap-On business on a property he discovered as he drove his tool route. He was extremely happy and proud of how it turned out, which was strongly emphasized by his wish to die at home. Kayle became a "country boy." The number of friendships built with all of Kayle's activities have grown exponentially over the years. Friends of friends have supported and prayed for Kayle over these last, trying years - one month short of five years. The 80th birthday celebration was an impromptu party when we were pretty sure he could tolerate it. Friends showed up when there were not any formal invitations sent. Kayle was elated and overwhelmed with blessings from so many who came or sent cards after the party or came to his home later. Special thanks to: Henry Ford Jackson and Dr. Malcolm Trimble who guided this journey from August, 2017, Henry Ford AIM and Hospice who helped care for Kayle: Caitlyn, Sarah, Linda, Dana, Gayle, Dr Duda, Jerry, Chaplain Greg - and especially Crystal, who started Kayle's hospice journey. Hope that's all of you. Kayle received all and was encouraged and calmed by their services. There will be a visitation on July 27, 4-7 pm at Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Rd, Jackson, 49203. A Memorial Service will take place on July 28, 11 am at First United Methodist Church, 275 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, 49201 with visitation one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, donations may honor Henry Ford Allegiance AIM or Hospice, 100 E Michigan Ave, Ste 400, Jackson, 49201; First United Methodist Church, 275 W Michigan Ave, Jackson 49201, or the Building Fund at St John United Methodist Church, 33631 Grand Prix Drive, Sebring, Florida, 33872.



Service Information

Visitation
When: Wednesday, July 27, 2022 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: JL Watson Funeral Home
Address: 2590 Spring Arbor RdJackson,Michigan 49203

Second Visitation
When: Thursday, July 28, 2022 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: JL Watson Funeral Home
Address: 2590 Spring Arbor RdJackson,Michigan 49203