Leon A. Mayer

Savoy - Leon Mayer, 88, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at his residence in Savoy. Leon was born on April 16, 1927, in Millstadt, Illinois, to Albert and Agnes (Schlemer) Mayer. After high school, he served our country as a Navy "Sea Bee" (Construction Battalion.) He then attended Southern Illinois University, where he met Patricia Williamson, who became his wife and companion of 48 years. She preceded him in death. Leon and Patricia raised five sons, all of whom survive, John and his wife, Lezlie (Shoaf) Mayer, of Colorado; Mark and his wife, Margaret (Murphy) Mayer, of Ohio; Tom and his wife, Kathy (VanCamp) Mayer, of Florida; Jim and his wife, Pat (Fonner) Mayer, of Urbana; and Joe and his wife, Joy (Mathis) Mayer, of Florida. Leon has eleven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and travelled great distances to stay in touch with his family. Leon obtained Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois, and ended his career there as an Associate Professor of Vocational and Technical Education. Leon had a passion for international agricultural education. During the 1970's, Leon worked in administration and program development at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, as a representative of the United States Agency for International Development. He also taught at universities in Guam and Jamaica. Leon was a devout Catholic, and served the church is many ways over the years. He was also an avid gardener, as well as being an excellent "shade tree" mechanic, and home improvement specialist. His favorite hobby was dancing the polka, including membership in several polka clubs over the years. A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00pm on Friday, July 17, at Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am, on Saturday, July 18, at St. Patrick's Parish Center, 702 W. Main St., Urbana. Memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick's Church, Urbana, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Visitation Jul 17, 2015 Friday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 Service Jul 18, 2015 Saturday, 10:00 AM St. Patrick's Catholic Church 708 W Main Street Urbana, Illinois 61801 Final Resting Place St. Mary's Cemetery 42-4 St. Mary's Road Champaign, IL 61820