Robert Baye, 78, of Box Elder, SD passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2017 in his home.

Robert (Bob) Carroll Baye, was born on April 14, 1939 in Midland, SD to Edmund W. Sr. and Louise A. (Dalrymple) Baye. He was raised and attended school in Philip, SD graduating from Philip High School in 1958. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served on board the USS Ranger (CVA-61) as a member of the VA-93 squadron during the Vietnam War.

After military service, Robert returned to Philip where he was united in marriage with Shirley O’Dea on June 12, 1965. They moved to the Dallas, TX area where he worked as an electronics technician. In 1968, they moved to Boulder, CO where he took a position with Ball Brothers Research Corporation working on sensor and navigation systems for satellites. In 1977 they moved back to Philip so Robert could help out with the family John Deere dealership managing the parts department. The family moved to Box Elder, SD in 1987 where he worked for G&H Distributing until retirement in 2001.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; six sons: Patrick (Tammi) Baye of Box Elder, SD, Timothy (Valeri) Baye of Broomfield, CO, Michael (Kammi) Baye of Corona, AZ, Brian (Julie) Baye of Leesburg, VA, Christopher Baye of Whidbey Island, WA, and Daniel (Kaycee) Baye of Centerville, UT; eight grandchildren: Courtny (Josh) High, Trevor (Victoria) Baye, Haley Baye, Tyler (Christina) Eberle, Brianna Baye, Claire Baye, Jenna Baye, and Devin Baye; three great grandchildren: Kaelyn and Kody High, and James Baye; a brother Richard (Teddy) Baye of Misson, TX; and a sister-in-law Elsie (Sonny) Baye.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and brother Edmund “Sonny” Baye, Jr.

Memorials may be made to the Saint Thomas Aquinas Seminary (www.newseminaryproject.org/donate/) or to the Regional Health Hospice of the Hills (www.regionalhealth.com).

The family of Robert Baye wishes to extend our sincere thanks to their friends from the morning coffee club for their support and the much appreciated food, the doctors and nurses at the Ft. Meade VA Hospital, and for all the prayers.