Leslie W. Baty, Sr. 1939-2025

By Paso Robles Press · Thu Dec 25 2025

The family of Leslie Wayne Baty, Sr, called Les by friends, sadly announces that Les passed away at home in Paso Robles on November 18, 2025. He died after a lengthy illness at age 86.

Les was born in Modesto, CA, on February 2, 1939. His mother was Geneva Clair Baty, and his father was William Orville Baty. After high school, he served four years in the U.S. Navy, where he served on the ship, the U.S.S. Henrico.  

After his military service, he became a mechanic for heavy-duty agricultural equipment, with much of his work in the Salinas Valley in California. Les was a member of the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County.

Shortly after his military service, he married Patricia Cochran and had four children: Leslie Wayne Baty, Jr (Laury), Mark Allen Baty, Robert Dale Baty, and Karen Lynn Baty, who preceded him in death. All of his children were so fond of their dad. Les also leaves his brother, Willard Baty (Barbara), in Arizona and his sister, Katherine Martins, in Colorado. His grandchildren - Jorge Montoya, Cassie Bolton, Jacqueline Pope, and Jocelyn Baty -  as well as nephews and nieces, all loved him dearly.  

Les is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lue Baty, who came to the marriage with three sons, David Applegate (Ken), Paul Applegate (Nicole), and Steve Applegate (Angela). Though they were his stepsons, the love between Les and these young men was an extra gift in life, along with his step-grandchildren, Aaron Applegate and Danielle Applegate. 

Les was a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy. He was a quiet man. He always looked forward to deer hunting. He loved playing in the desert in his jeep as well as boating on the lake with family and friends. He loved tinkering in his shop, where he had a large collection of John Deere memorabilia. He was so creative. Some of his tinkering included making large remote-control vehicles. He also created items from used nylon rope, such as framing pictures, making baskets, and larger items. He was proud that he created all the rope work you see on the walls and tables of The Cowgirl Restaurants. Les and Lue enjoyed travelling extensively in their RV, visiting destinations throughout much of the United States.

Les will be well remembered and missed by so many.