Leichester Howard "Corky" Edminster, 96, a long-time Wichita resident died February 10, 2013. Corky's musical artistry and entertainment history are well-known and remembered in Wichita and the Midwest. A third generation member of Plymouth Congregational Church, owner and musical director of four bands, a radio, television and movie entertainer, a Navy veteran of WWII who played with the Naval Band, an avid golfer, a respected business man with his brother, Kenneth Edminster, and active Shrine member, a frequenter of the Beacon Club Buddies, a golf tournament organizer, a fund raiser for Wichita YMCA, a rose garden grower, a single-engine pilot, a man with multiple friends and fans, Corky lived life fully and generously and with great love for his family and friends. He married Winifred Clark on Jan. 1, 1940. They had two daughters, Peggy and Mary Cozetta. After Winifred's death in 1985, he married Janet rose on Feb. of 1986 and was married to her until 2011 at the time of her death. Corky traveled to Hawaii, Italy, Greece, and to the mountains of Colorado where he played golf at Kissing Camels Golf Club. He worked with his brother, Kenneth Edminster and was vice-president at Shamrock Oil and Tire for 32 years. His years in the entertainment world started in high school where he played in Wichita East High School's orchestra and pep band. His own band, Lee Edminster's Orchestra, toured and played locally during High School. He was Gage Brewer's young piano man as the Big band sound became popular. They traveled and played through the Midwest. He attended Friends University Conservatory of Music where his classical training provided him with the ability to transpose, arrange and compose music. He especially enjoyed composing for trios and quartets. He has four songs copyrighted with the Library of Congress. "He was the best piano player I have ever heard" a quote from a recent newspaper article on the musical history and artistry of Corky. As a clarinetist, "He was better than Pete Fountain" was another newspaper description of Corky's Dixie-land clarinet playing skill. In the later 1930's he was with radio KFH. He and his Ark Valley Boys played a daily noon time broadcast called "Chow Time." In the 1940's and early 1950, he was with radio station KANS with Corky's Corral Gang. There were two daily broadcast of Western music and Western Swing. Corky figured he had over 7,000 commercial broadcasts that covered Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Northern Texas, Missouri and Iowa. Miles, too many to count, were traveled to play at state or county fairs, rodeos, county celebrations, special engagements. At each location broadcasts were transmitted or they made late night trips back to the local Wichita stations. In 1952, Corky and his Corral Gang went to Hollywood, working with Gene Autry and his sidekick Smiley Burnette on a number of B-grade westerns. Corky's latest musical group, the Dad's of Dixieland, originally formed to play for Shrine parades and Shrine events. So much fun was experienced playing the Dixieland tunes that the group decided to stay together. They were businessmen and professional musicians with a beautiful sound that could be brassy or mellow. They played for years at the local Rafters and then the Candle Club and for private bookings or community events. Corky's latest years were spent remembering the blessings of family, friends and memories. He retained his ability to laugh and be happy and to remember and still play the ivories with his eyes shut and an occasional tear running down his cheek remembering the wonderful life that had been his. Corky was preceded in death by his parents, G.A. and Mary Edminster, by his wife, Winifred Clark and his second wife, Janet Rose. He leaves two daughters, Peggy Moore (Dr. Wayne Moore) of Edgerton, Kansas and Mary Cozetta Goebel (Chris Goebel) of Wichita, Kansas, two step-sons, Barry Rose (Laurie) and Rob Rose (Fran). He has five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren. He has four step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. The family wishes to express great thankfulness for the medical care Corky and his family received for the many years from Dr. Joaquin Santos. The family also wishes to thank Joyce Schauf for her compassionate care for Corky this past year. Visitation with family present is Thursday, 6:00 to 8:00 pm February 14, 2013 at Resthaven Mortuary. Memorial service is 10:30 am Friday, February 15, 2013 at Plymouth Congregational Church, Wichita, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton, Wichita, Kansas 67208 or Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy, Midian Shrine Temple, 130 N. Topeka Street, Wichita, Kansas 67202. Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenmortuary-cemetery.com.