Obituary of Todd Ward

Toddy "Todd" Mitchell Ward, 85, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, September 22, at AdventHealth Hospital in Castle Rock, CO, after a sudden illness. Todd was born on December 17, 1938, in Monclo, WV, the youngest child of the late Lonnie and Ertle Mae Kitchen Ward. He was preceded in death by his brothers Edgel, Loran, twins, Martin & Johnny, and Jack Ward, as well as his sisters Ollie Meyers Pritchard, Celia Little, Lottie Brumfield, and Virginia "Ginny" Thompson. Ginny passed away earlier this year.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 61 years, Carol Holbrook Ward, his two daughters, Christi (Tim) Tillett of Paducah, KY, and Kimber (Jameel Qazi) Ward of Denver CO. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Cameron (Morgan) Tillett of Kansas City, MO, Kylie (Chad) Perrewe of Paducah, KY, and Caden Tillett of Paducah, KY; along with three great-grandchildren, Callan and Graham Perrewe and Evie Tillett; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The youngest of 10 children, Todd was born in a coal camp in Logan County, WV, where he watched his father work long days and nights in the unforgiving coal mines while his mother ran a boarding house for miners. His family moved to Fallsburg, KY, when he was 10 years old where he first met Carol in grade school. Though raised with modest means, Todd was surrounded by love and instilled with a focus on education, a strong Protestant work ethic, and a deep sense of family and faith.

Todd’s mother passed away when he was just 13 years old. At 17, he left high school to join the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an Airman First Class, eventually being stationed in Sondrestrom, Greenland. Immediately after entering the Air Force, he earned his GED and began college courses. During his service, he experienced significant hearing loss as a side effect of an ototoxic medication given to him during an illness—a challenge that affected him for the rest of his life but never discouraged him.

After his military service, Todd worked diligently to put himself through college, earning a BBA and academic awards in accounting from Eastern Kentucky University. He then began his career at the accounting firm Ernst and Ernst in Louisville, KY. After several years, Todd pursued further education, earning his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Kentucky Law School. He later moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked for the Mead Corporation, specializing in International Tax.

In 1973, Todd and Carol moved back to their hometown of Louisa, KY, to be closer to family. Todd partnered with his friend, Bill Jackson, to establish their law firm, Jackson & Ward, Attorneys at Law and later went into private practice as Todd Ward, Attorney at Law. Todd was a devoted member of Louisa United Methodist Church, honored as a Kentucky Colonel, and was a proud member of the American Bar Association.

Todd married Carol Holbrook on January 24, 1963, on one of the coldest days in Kentucky history with temperatures around 20 degrees below zero. Despite the deep freeze, stalled cars, icy roads, a substitute minister, and only a few guests, they made it to the altar, where their love became a lasting source of warmth, joy, and laughter. Todd and Carol went on to have two daughters, Christi and Kimber, who loved their dad beyond measure and enjoyed spending time with him whenever possible.

Todd cherished his family and took great pride in loving and supporting his wife, children, siblings, in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His devotion extended beyond his family to those in the community as well. He was a constant source of encouragement, cheering on his grandchildren at their basketball, soccer, baseball games, and tennis matches over the years.

In 2019, Todd and Carol moved to Littleton, Colorado, just before the pandemic, to live at Wind Crest, a retirement community near their youngest daughter, Kimber. They quickly embraced the friendships they formed there, feeling blessed by the love and support from their new community.

Todd was a passionate Kentucky basketball fan, always cheering (loudly) for the Wildcats, whether they were on a winning streak or in a “rebuilding season.” A trip to Rupp Arena to watch his beloved Cats play was one of his favorite pastimes. He was an avid (speed) reader who enjoyed reading the newspaper front to back and had a mind for history that made him a trivia heavyweight. At family reunions, Todd brought a “no holds barred” approach to Rook (a Southern card game), where counting cards was second nature to him. A consummate ping pong player, he could still outplay his children and grandchildren in a lively match. Todd had a passion for road trips, crisscrossing the country with his family multiple times, from Maine to California and Alaska to Florida. He also had a love for trains and train travel often taking trips across the Western U.S. and Canada. Todd was an “over-the-top” devoted dog lover—especially to his most recent companions, Einstein and Gus, whom he walked countless miles over the years. Above all, Todd treasured spending time with his family and was always eager to join in on whatever they were up to. His absence leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family and all who knew and loved him. May he rest in eternal peace.

Visitation will be held at Wilson Funeral Home, in Louisa, KY, on October 11th from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. A Celebration of Life will take place on October 12th, 2024, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and the service beginning at 11:00 am at Hilltop Methodist Church on Pine Hill Road in Louisa. The Rev. Bobby Stinett will officiate. Todd’s remains will be cremated and interred at Greenlawn Cemetery in Louisa following the service. As part of Todd's lasting legacy, his tissue donation will go on to help others in need.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Hilltop Methodist Church, 816 Pine Hill Rd., Louisa, KY 41230 or plant a tree in Todd’s memory (please visit Tribute Store).