Ward O'Daniel

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.