Ward O'Daniel

Ward O'Daniel obituary, Louisville, KY

Ward O'Daniel

Ward O'Daniel Obituary

John Ward O'Daniel, 27, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Ward was a devoted son, loyal brother, cherished uncle, and the gentlest of souls. His kindness was endless, his generosity unmatched, and his love for the Houston Texans as steady as his love for the people around him. He lived his life with a giving spirit and unwavering compassion for the world around him.

He was born on March 8, 1998 in San Mateo, California to and Marilyn Ward and John E. O'Daniel. He is preceded in death by his father, John E. O'Daniel, uncles, Phillip O'Daniel, Morris O'Daniel, Tony O'Daniel; aunt, Helen Jamison; cousins, Shannon O'Daniel, Joshua O'Daniel, Matthew O'Daniel, Phillip Jones, and Leah Costelle.

Ward is survived by his loving mother, Marilyn Ward, sister, Andrea (Eric) O'Daniel, nephew, Taylor (Victoria) Crotts, aunts, Mary (Charles) Rigby, Deanna O'Daniel, Marty Jones, Theresa (Jamie) Prestigiacomo, Annie (Terry) McDonald, uncles, James (Nikki) O'Daniel, Bill (Angela) O'Daniel, Pat (Carol) O'Daniel, cousins, Angie (Rick) McKenzie, Jason Costelle, Karen (Ken) Sumner, Trey Prestigiacomo, Tara (Jimmy) Black, Tim McDonald, Robert O'Daniel, Christy (Bobby) O'Daniel, John Jamison, Andy Jamison, his beloved kitty Mulligan (Mully), along with many extended family and friends to cherish his memory forever.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025 at St. Brigid Catholic Church, (1520 Hepburn Ave). A funeral mass will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, at the same location.

The family requests that contributions in Ward's memory be made to the Friends of the Louisville Metro Animal Shelter. https://www.fomaslou.org/donation

To share a memory of Ward or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

People and places connected with Ward

Make a Donation
in Ward O'Daniel's name

How to support Ward's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ward O'Daniel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more