Lester Wade Byram, a longtime Kingman resident and former Mayor, passed away at age 92 on August 19, 2021, at home in the company of family following a brief illness.
Lester was born and grew up in Melbourne, Arkansas, where he played college basketball at Arkansas Tech. He received a graduate degree in Education from Arizona State University and undertook doctoral studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson. In 1957, Lester moved to Kingman, where he taught junior high school and coached champion basketball teams. Lester Byram went on to serve as the principal of Manzanita Elementary School and Kingman Junior High School.
From the time he moved to Kingman, Lester was actively involved in the community. He served on the Kingman Regional Hospital Board for many years during the time the KRMC campus was constructed. Lester was a Councilmember as well as Kingman’s longest-serving Mayor. Les was involved with many community service organizations for many decades including Rotary, Elks, and Toastmasters. He enjoyed playing basketball and softball competitively for many years in local Kingman Leagues. He was the Grand Marshal for the Andy Devine Parade. Les attended Saint Johns United Methodist Church.
Lester is survived by his wife Lyndal; three sons John, Kevin, and Robert; daughter-in-law, Simran and, grandson, Neil.
Graveside service will be with immediate family. A time for a memorial celebration will be announced at a later date. Donations in place of flowers can be made in Lester’s honor to Kingman Middle School.
My prayers go out to his family ?? Les was an amazing man and I will miss him. Fly with the angels Les❤️
So very sorry for your loss. Mr byrum was such a nice man. I went to manzanita in the 60’s. Im Glad he had a full life. Rest in peace.
Thank You Mr. Byram.
He was my principal in Jr High. Respect! He was a nice man. My condolences.
I remember when Les first came to Kingman Junior high as teacher and coach. He was not my home room teacher but we changed rooms for science and math and I think I had him for science and PE. I have lived in his neighborhood for years and often visited with him as he was walking his dogs! He was a true asset for our town and he will definitely be missed!
Paula Shuffler
I’m so sorry for your loss. May love and prayers be with you at this time. He was my children’s principal.
Thank You Principal Byram, Mayor Byram, Mr Byram the many faucets of this man. He was a leader, a youth confidante, a stern disciplinary, compatible man. Many 92 years lessons.
I pray Peace for Family and Friends .
Thanks for the swat. THAT message got thru my thick skull. ‘Only swat I ever got. Spare the rod, spoil the child. It worked. Ppl like u and the ones u managed shaped me to become a decent adult. I became a nurse! ‘Shoulda gone back and told u. Ya know, I bet ur very proud of ur children. 🙂 u did good Sir, u did good.
Goodbye to a good friend. You were a good man who made a difference. Thank you for all your years of service to our community. May God bring peace and comfort to your family..