John Preston Ordway

John Preston Ordway of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away after a courageous battle against cancer Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the age of 72. Born in Murray, Kentucky, January 4, 1939, he was the only child of the late Elizabeth Lovett Ordway, formerly of Benton, Kentucky, and the late Preston Wake Ordway, a native of Kuttawa, Kentucky. A 1957 graduate of Murray High School, growing up he was affectionately known as “Johnny.” He was a former member of the First United Methodist Church of Murray, Kentucky. John earned a Bachelor’s of Electrical Engineering at the University of Kentucky, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. The friendships attained in college lasted a lifetime. Retaining the manners and values of his Southern heritage, John displayed foresight into the information age as a young man. This foresight led to a passion for the new field of computer programming. Among the employers that benefited from his expertise were the Kroger Company and Entergy of New Orleans. A Corvette enthusiast and member of the Cincinnati, Ohio Corvette Club, John also earned his private pilot’s license in aviation. These hobbies served as the backdrop for a five-year romance with his future wife. In 1984 he moved to his final home in Algiers, Louisiana. New Orleans offered the perfect environment for him to enjoy retirement and do the things he loved most, such as attending the fabulous festivals and enjoying his children and grandchildren. An avid reader, John also enjoyed watching classic movies with his grandchildren. In December 1986 he married the love of his life, Bridget Ordway, and embraced her three children as his own. Fondly called “Papa John” by his children and grandchildren, he relished the role of parent and grandparent in the best years of his life! He was preceded in death by his wife of 24 years, Bridget Gordon Ordway. He is survived by the children he loved unconditionally: daughter Mary Cooper Moffat and her husband, James G. Moffat; son Jerry D. Cooper, and daughter Lea Cooper Landry and her companion, Timothy P. Frey. All reside in New Orleans. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Julie, Katie, Aimee, Zachary, Justin, Nicholas, Holly, Natalie, and Preston, and great-grandchildren Jacob, Kayla, and Laila. He is also survived by his beloved cousins Mimi Craynon Rainen of Lenexa, Kansas, Laura Craynon of Arlington, Virginia, and Betsy McClain of Benton, Kentucky. As per his wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Cancer Society in honor of his courageous fight. Family and friends may view and sign the online guestbook at www.mothefunerals.com.