Peter J. Reyes

After living a full, abundant life, his way, without hesitation, Peter Juan Reyes, 81, passed away in the early morning hours on the first of October, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Peter was born in Sonora, Texas on April 6, 1943 to Francisco and Marcelina Reyes. He was the 6th child born and affectionately named after his Tio Juan. Peter spent a few years in Sonora, before he and his family relocated to Plainview, Texas. In 1952, the family made the long journey to start a new life in Lamont, California and later, moved to Bakersfield. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1962. Peter attended one year at Bakersfield College, before joining the United States Navy from 1965-1967. Upon returning home, Peter moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue a stage acting career and attend theater/drama classes at USC. He became a real estate agent in 1976, which he continued for 45 years. Peter loved to travel and he was an avid sports fan. A few of his favorites were football, tennis, baseball, ice skating and the Olympics, which he never missed. He was a lifelong, die-hard USC fan and would attend games whenever possible. He was also involved with the Bakersfield College Renegades and became well known as the flag runner, leading the football team onto the field. In 2013, Peter was honored to be inducted into the BC Hall of Fame, something he never shied away from mentioning. Peter loved cheering on the Dodgers and Raiders, and attended numerous concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, classical music being his favorite. Peter is survived by his two dogs, Max and Hunter, and his parrot, Pancho. He leaves behind three sisters, Juanita Lujan, Lucy Salazar and Gloria Reyes, along with three brothers, Eddie Reyes, Onesimo Reyes, and Jesse Reyes. His goddaughter, that he loved dearly and treated as his own, Dolores “Lola” Smith. His sister-in-law, Rosie Castro, who was more like a sister. Numerous nieces and nephews, along with a few other godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Marcelina Reyes, and siblings Buddy Reyes, Joe Reyes, Mary Reyes, Queta Gutierrez, Frank Reyes Jr, Stella Romero, his niece Mary Lou Chavez and his partner, Eric Hanson. A funeral service will be held at Basham Funeral Care 3312 Niles Street, Bakersfield, CA 93306 on October 11th, 2024. Viewing will be from 10am-12pm with a service beginning at 1pm.