Johnny Lee “Pete” Byers, 82, passed peacefully on August 5, 2025 in Kingman. Born August 8, 1942, in Morenci, Arizona, Pete led a life marked by dedication to family, business, and public service.
A graduate of Mohave County Union High School, Pete began his college studies at Northern Arizona University before returning home to manage the family business, Peach Springs Garage. During this time, he married Susan Perkins, and together they welcomed two children, Johnny and Christy.
Pete’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a second gas station in Valentine while also operating a transit service for river runners at Diamond Creek. In 1976, following the construction of Interstate 40, he and his family moved to Kingman.
In Kingman, Pete worked for Ford Proving Grounds, Rucker Motors, and became a Realtor with Century 21. He also helped launch Byers Liquors in Kingman’s original location. In 2004, he married Patricia, gaining a stepson, Warren, whom he embraced as his own.
From 2000 through 2008, Pete served as Supervisor for District 1 in Mohave County. His tenure and guidance brought significant improvements including a new Sheriff’s Office, preservation of the county seat in Kingman, a new County administration building, and construction of a new jail.
An avid outdoorsman, Pete enjoyed hunting, camping, golfing, and tournament bass fishing after retirement.
He is survived by his wife Patricia; son Johnny Lee Jr. (Heather); daughter Christy (Howard) Ostermeier; stepson Warren (Suzanne) Adams-Ockrassa; brother Kenneth (Carolyn) Byers; and Susan Perkins Byers. He also leaves behind grandchildren Heather Kylie (John) Soto, Codi (Joshua) Lucero, Inge Adams-Ockrassa; and great-grandsons Colton Lucero, Jaxon Lucero, and Johnathan Soto. He also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Lee Byers and Kay Wright Byers; and nephew William Byers.
A celebration of life will be held at the Kingman Elks Lodge, 900 Gates Ave., on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
A memorial scholarship has been established through Kingman Elks BPOE #468 in Pete’s honor. Donations may be mailed to:
Kingman Elks BPOE #468
Attention: Scholarships
900 Gates Ave
Kingman, AZ 86401
Please write his name in the memo line of your check.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
