02/02/2026
Corey Lee Hyde
April 3, 1969 – January 28, 2026
Ithaca, Michigan
Corey Lee Hyde, age 56, of Ithaca, MI passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2026. He was born on April 3, 1969 in Alma, MI. He grew up in Ithaca and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1987. While growing up Corey enjoyed working on cars, riding dirt bikes, hunting and earning his own money. He was a devoted son, caring nephew, loyal friend, and loving husband.
Corey started in agriculture as a teenager on farms in Ithaca, doing tasks from milking cows to baling hay. He worked his way up at B & W Farm Center to parts manager, became a sales rep at Sunflower, and spent the last 20 years as a territory manager for Landoll Company LLC, covering Canada, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Known for his equipment expertise, Corey was a valued resource for farmers and dealers, often assisting in the field or visiting clients. He took immense pride in being part of the farming community.
He loved working on his own property as well, which he called The Wildlife Farm. Every year he worked to improve his land by digging ponds, planting trees, and expanding food plots. Corey was very proud of his farm and the wildlife it attracted. He loved to walk the property and plan the next project. Whether he was on the tractor, the excavator or the bulldozer, Corey was in his happy place when he was working dirt.
Those who knew Corey knew he was an avid hunter. He developed a passion for hunting early on, spending his after-school hours searching for pheasants along the railroad tracks. Years later, he took a 170 drop tine buck with his bow, which sparked his enduring enthusiasm for whitetail hunting. Corey traveled throughout North America in pursuit of each whitetail species, gaining memorable experiences alongside great friends. He also enjoyed hunting other North American animals like moose, elk, brown bear, bison, black bear, and antelope to name a few. As his hunting experiences grew, he became a lifetime member of Safari Club International, an organization he believed every outdoors person should belong to.
Corey shared eight wonderful years with his beloved wife, Julie Hyde. Embracing their shared passion for adventure and hunting, they traveled together across the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America. Whether hunting mule deer in Wyoming or fishing in Belize, Corey & Jules created unforgettable memories together. They loved introducing one another to their individual passions/hobbies and trying new things. Together, they built a happy & loving home with their dog Ripp. After joining the Edgewood Church of God as an adult, Corey was baptized last year. Soon after, he developed close friendships within the congregation, which became a source of comfort as he faced his ALS diagnosis. He cherished weekly gatherings where friends would pray with him and share uplifting stories, making him feel truly supported during difficult times. Corey& #39;s faith and the genuine care of his church community brought him peace and acceptance with his diagnosis, allowing him to find strength even in the most challenging moments.
Corey faced ALS with remarkable strength and dignity. He never complained. Not once. Even on the hardest days, Corey found a reason to smile and share a joke with those around him. As the disease progressed and his mobility became limited, Corey was determined not to let ALS define him. He adapted, modifying his hunting equipment so he could still join his friends in the woods, and found creative ways to keep working on his beloved Wildlife Farm—sometimes giving instructions from the side of the field or tinkering with his gear to suit his needs. Each new challenge became an opportunity for Corey to rise above, refusing to give in or show weakness. How he navigated his journey with ALS was not just inspiring—it was a powerful reminder to everyone who met him of the courage and positivity that can shine even in the toughest circumstances.
He is survived by his loving wife Julie Hyde, his mother Gayla Foster of Alma, stepbrother Kent (Lynne) Foster of Alabama, many wonderful aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends. Corey was preceded in death by grandparents Dale & Phyllis Smith, Cyril & Violet Hyde, stepfather Lee Foster, stepbrother Kurt Foster, and Aunt Rebecca Adams.
Corey will be deeply missed and eternally remembered. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please consider donating to ALS (alsnetwork.org) or joining Safari Club International (safariclub.org) in memory of Corey. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
