Obituary: Leslie Hinds

Leslie Hinds came into this world on Sunday, March 4th, 1928 at the Florence Hospital in Cordell, Oklahoma. His parents were George Ottis and Florence Ada (Armstrong) Hinds. Leslie was the youngest of five children; three older brothers and one sister. He grew up in the Burns Flat area, attending school until his sophomore year.

Leslie’s Dad purchased a farm three miles north and a half mile west of Burns Flat, when they had to move from their land for the building of a naval base during World War II. This location was in the Foss school district.

While attending school in Foss, Leslie drove the school bus his junior and senior year. Leslie loved playing basketball and baseball. In the spring of 1945, the Foss Cardinals won the Class B State Champion title in baseball. He played an important role as pitcher and 1st baseman.

Upon graduation in 1946, Leslie attended Oklahoma A & M, known now as Oklahoma State University. While at OSU, he was able to train under Coach Henry Iba in basketball. In 1947, he went to work at the Cordell National Bank. It was at this time that he saw the love of his life at a Cordell school pep rally.

In December 1948, Leslie and this strawberry blonde lady, Frankie Flaming, were married. Their love continues after 72 years. They lived in Cordell for two years, Frankie working for Dale Hubbard in the County Clerk’s office and Leslie farming at Burns Flat with his Dad.

Leslie always loved working with his Dad in farming, plowing wheat fields or cultivating cotton. He and his Dad worked together for 21 years. One of his many joys was his first small herd of registered whitefaced cattle. In 1950 Leslie & Frankie built a two-room house south of Burns Flat on 80 acres. In 1951 they were blessed with a daughter, Marsha Renee, and in 1954 blessed with a son, Stan Keith.

Frankie was a stay-athome mom helping Leslie with farming and raising their family. Leslie was baptized at an early age by a long time gospel preacher, Joe Laid, at the church of Christ in Burns Flat. Throughout his life he has been a dedicated Christian. In 1959 he was one of several men who were instrumental in the construction of the present day church building.

He served several years as a church deacon and elder in the Burns Flat church of Christ, as well as leading singing. Leslie loved the land, farming, and cattle. He was often heard saying “the Lord created goodness from the earth and he wanted to be a part of that”. He served on the Burns Flat Cotton Gin Board for 20 years. In 1968 he was appointed to the Kiwash Electric Cooperative board. He served for 45 years and held several leadership positions including president. He received the honor of Washita County ‘Farmer of the Year’ in 1969.

In 2002, he was appointed to the Ok. Association of Electric Cooperatives as President and in 2003 was presented the “Good Neighbor” Meritorious Service Award. He also served 37 years on the Western Farmers Electric Cooperative Board serving as Vice President on two different occasions.

He considered it a privilege and honor to serve his community and state.

He was preceded in death by his parents George Ottis and Florence Ada Hinds, three brothers and their wives, Harlan and Ruby Hinds, Herman and Polly Hinds, J.W. and Imogene Hinds, bother-in-law Dennis Mincher, nephew Jerry Paul Hinds, and niece Brenda Fay Belkin.

Leslie is survived by: his loving wife, Frankie; two children—Marsha Morris of Weatherford; Stan Hinds and wife, Patti, of Elk City; three grandsons---Justin Morris and wife, Shelby; Kyle Morris and wife, Kristyn, of Stillwater, and Chad Hinds and wife, Jo of Stratford, Tx.; and five great grandchildren---Kylie, Evan, Kolton & Kyler Morris Cole Hinds, and one sister Dot Mincher.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to: In Search of the Lord’s Way, P.O. Box 371, Edmond, OK. 73083 www.search.tv.org/formdonations.html

Graveside services will be held Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 2:30 P.M. at Lawnview Cemetery officiated by Rod Minor and Jim Foster. Arrangements are under the direction of Chris Whinery and the staff of Affordable Cremation Service-West. Condolences can be made online at www.classicfunerals.com