Larry Wayne Ayres was born on June 15th, 1938 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and passed away, peacefully, at home with his family in Mountain View, Wyoming on September 15th, 2026.

As a young boy, Larry’s family operated a river ferry in Wisconsin where he enjoyed helping out and developed the strong work ethic that guided him. Later, he traveled with his family working various jobs in the farming and logging industries between Wisconsin and Wyoming, until he finally settled permanently in Wyoming around 1956. While living in Evanston, he worked as a surveyor for the State Highway Department until starting his own lumber business in 1966 which he operated in Evanston until 1976, then in Mountain View until 2018 when he sold it in order to spend more time with his family and focus on his health.

Larry enjoyed a variety of hobbies throughout his life, especially loving the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, making trips to Alaska and South Africa to do what he enjoyed. Larry also loved spending time with family and friends camping in the Uintas and hunting arrowheads. Later in life, he spent time working on his cabin, painting landscape scenes of his favorite places, and restoring vintage cars. He was especially proud of the restoration of his 1928 Ford Model A pick up truck.

Larry met the love of his life, Karan, in 1961 and they married in 1963. Together, they raised six children who Larry was extremely proud of. As a family, they enjoyed spending time outdoors in the Uintas and boating at Flaming Gorge. More recently, Larry enjoyed spending time with children and grandchildren in Mountain View and visiting family in Boise.

Larry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karan, his children Robert Ayres of Lyman, David Ayres (Cindy Brown) of Mountain View, LeeAnn Slavens (Donald Slavens) of Macon, Georgia, Kristy Ayres, Jenifer Ayres (Ben Baez), and Nikie White (Scott White) of Boise, Idaho, as well as fifteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by brothers William Ayres (Paula Ayres) of Eugene, Oregon and Jon Ayres of Lyman. Larry is preceded in death by daughters Saundra and Lexie, son George Edward, grandson Michael Maldonado, brother James Ayres, daughter-in-law Cheryl Jones, and parents Wayne Ayres and Alice Trout (Joe Trout).

There will be a graveside service for friends and family at the Evanston City Cemetery on October 3rd at 11 am, followed by a celebration of life, where all are welcome, at the American Legion Hall in Fort Bridger from 3-5 pm.