Lawrence R. Mayo (Larry”), 74, was called peacefully home early in the morning of April 12, 2025, with his loving wife Sheryl by his side. Larry was born on June 15, 1950, in Butte, MT to Robert and Hazel Mayo. Larry grew up in a loving close-knit home with his parents and sister Debbie sharing time and vacations together.
Larry was a proud member and leader of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. He joined the Carpenters Union on July 20, 1972. While working as a carpenter, he completed his degree in Computer Science from the Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology graduating on May 15, 1993. Following graduation, he began his leadership position with the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters as the Business Representative for Western Montana. Larry strived to ensure the union members received a living wage with exceptional benefits. He was well respected and served as a Trustee on the Health and Welfare, Apprenticeship, and Employee Savings Plan Trusts. Additionally. Larry served for many years on the Carpenter JATC and was passionate about the apprenticeship program. Larry retired on August 30, 2013.
In August of 2004, Larry decided to utilize a free week on Match.com. Much to his, and everyone else’s surprise, Larry winked (expression of interest) at Sheryl Slaughter Lambertson. Larry and Sheryl married on September 14, 2006. Sheryl maintains “God saved Larry for me”. Suddenly Larry found himself as a stepdad to two teenage girls. He quietly embraced the role and supported Keanne and Kendra through Sheryl. After all, he needed an excuse to buy a long bed truck to take Keanne to college in Idaho.
Larry’s life following his PMS (pre-marriage to Sheryl) days saw Larry stepping out of his comfort zone countless times attending numerous social events with Sheryl. However, he was happiest at home or traveling with just the two of them. Their travels together included two weeks in Kauai each year, visits to Maui, the Big Island, Mazatlán, Pend Orielle Shores, Lake Havasu, Carlsbad, Ca, and Sedona AZ. Sheryl and Larry also enjoyed wine tasting visits to Walla Walla, the Willamette Valley and Napa and Sonoma. Their last trip was in August 2024 to the lobster feed at Frank Family’s Vineyard in Calistoga, Ca. Upon return, Larry acted upon his dream of owning Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies. Sherlock (tricolor) and Skye (Blenheim) brought much joy, energy, and lap time to Larry’s last months. As Larry said in his last days, “we have so much together, the two of us”.
Larry was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church serving as an elder and supporting the fellowship in his quiet ways.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and sister Debbie (one week after his wedding). He was also preceded by numerous aunts and uncles and brother-in-law Chuck Slaughter.
Larry is survived by his wife Sheryl, stepdaughters Keanne Lambertson (Michael Canup Jr.) and Kendra Carlson (Bryan), sister-in-law Julia Slaughter and grandchildren Wesley and Carson Carlson, and special granddaughter Brylie Carlson. Brylie brought out a side in Larry not many got to see. He is also survived by Aunts Lynn Aniksdal and Shirley Hansen and Uncle David Brown among other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial Services are 11 a.m., May 10 at First Presbyterian Church Butte, corner of Platinum and Excelsior with a reception to follow at the Copper King Inn. Memorials may be made to the Butte Humane Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Lawrence and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Lawrence.
Add your thoughts and memories.