Bennie 'Ben' Michael Byers, 67

Bennie “Ben” Michael Byers, 67 years old, lost his life in a tragic accident at his home in Kamiah, Idaho, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Ben was born in Clarkston, Wash., on May 26, 1958, to Barney and Darliss (Pleger) Byers. He was the third of five kids, and he was the only boy with two older sisters and two younger sisters.

Ben graduated from Lewiston High School, and he served in the United States Navy for 13 years as a submariner. After leaving the Navy, Ben worked as an industrial maintenance mechanic. He could fix anything. He built vehicles from the parts of multiple other vehicles, including mud trucks and Jeeps. He was always finding something to tinker with or work on, even if it wasn’t exactly broken. Sometimes there were a few parts left, but somehow whatever needed fixing always worked when he was done!

Ben was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. After years in the Navy, he enjoyed being on the water and even went on to be a “live-aboard” on several boats after he retired (much to the chagrin of his wife!). Ben was a father who devoted so much time and energy to his kids. Without fail, he always took care of his family.

Ben is preceded in death by his dad, Barney Byers; his stepmom, LaVon Byers; and his older sister, Darolyn “Dee” Krupa. He is survived by (and greatly missed by) his wife of 30 years, Maxine Byers; mom Darliss Acre; sister Barbara Scott; sister Karey Jensen (Mike); sister Marla Cummings (Bryan); stepsister Bonney Neville; daughter Chas Johnston (Don); son Carson Byers (Jade); daughter Crystal Byers (David); and daughter Nicole Short (Anthony). His 16 grandchildren, Jessica, Ashleigh, McKenzi, Dominic, Hailey, Hannah, Ben, Landon, Maliyah, Jacob, Shawn, Kyra, Cassie, Kale, Olivia and Delman, will all miss their grandpa dearly, as well as his seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service and celebration will be held at a later date.