Leon Baye, age 81, of rural Iroquois, SD, died Friday, September 4, 2009, at his home.

His funeral mass will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish with burial at St. Patrick's Cemetery, rural Cavour.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. at Welter Funeral Home and from 5-8 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cavour with a Scripture Service and Rosary at 7 p.m.; or Wednesday morning one hour prior to the service at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish.

Leon Paul Baye, son of Joseph and Madeline (Mausbach) Baye, was born on June 28, 1928, in Huron, SD. He graduated from Cavour High School in 1946. He helped his parents on the family farm and then took over its operation after his father had died in August of 1952. The family farm became a Century Farm.

Leon was a member of numerous clubs and organizations, including: The Knights of Columbus (4th Degree); The Fun Steppers, The Square Dancers; Logan Township Board of Directors for over 50 years; Huron Area Antique Power Association; and Holy Trinity Catholic Parish. He was a past member of St. Patricks Catholic Church in Cavour until its closing.

He enjoyed his time attending square dances, working on the farm, restoring his tractors, and attending church.

Leon is survived by 3 sisters, Marcella Mendez of Belleview, FL, Genevieve (Kermit) Mattson of Gainesville, FL, and Lucille Logan of De Smet, SD; 2 brothers, Harry (Alvina) Baye of Lakewood, CA, and Myron (Mary Jean) Baye of Iroquois, SD; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and his special friend, Mayme Johnson of Huron.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 sister, Lorraine Hofmann; 2 brothers-in-law, Jack Logan and Al Mendez.