Michael Joseph Ward

Michael Joseph Ward, age 57, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Michael was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Houma for 50 years. He moved to Mandeville, where he resided for the past 3 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Houma on August 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception at Herbert Hall on St. Bernadette's campus.

Michael is survived by his parents, Lawrence D. Ward, Sr. and D. Gayle Childress Ward; siblings, Lawrence D. Ward, Jr.; William C. Ward, Sr. and his wife, Melanie; D. Gayle Reuling and her husband, Mike; and F. Roch Ward.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William Joseph and Dorothy Schuber Childress; Donald Oswald; and Florence Grush Ward.

Michael was a 1986 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma. He worked as a dedicated and loyal employee at South Louisiana Bank in Houma for 27 years. Michael was a devoted parishioner of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Houma. He was an employee, participant, and board member of TARC, as well as a board member of LARC. He also participated in several Special Olympics events and Miracle League softball in Mandeville.

Michael loved sports, collecting sports memorabilia, duck carving, music, dancing, trivia, Mardi Gras, and, most of all, spending time with his family, friends, and his four-legged buddy, Chere Be'Be'. He was a loving and faithful son, brother, grandson, cousin, uncle, and friend. Michael will be forever remembered and loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him and experience his gentle, and occasionally feisty, spirit.

The Ward family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our wonderful caregivers for their love and dedication to Mike.