Kevin Matthew Coward, 69, Known for Mechanical Skill and Vibrant Spirit

Kevin Matthew Coward, a lifelong mechanic and local figure in Louisville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday.

Coward was 69 years old at the time of his death. According to an obituary published by Legacy.com via E M Coots’ Sons Inc Funeral Home, he was born on April 24, 1957, to the late Claude Coward and Faye Wall.

His life was marked by a major personal evolution. Legacy.com reported that he transitioned from a youth spent living in the fast lane to a man defined by a strong moral compass and a deep devotion to his family.

Coward’s connection to machinery began in early childhood. He started tinkering with mechanics at the age of five, a passion that eventually became a lifelong pursuit.

He frequently attended car shows and spent much of his time repairing vehicles for resale. This technical skill extended into his professional life, where he utilized a CDL to operate dump trucks, semi-trucks, and various types of heavy machinery.

In his neighborhood, Coward was a well-known presence. Living on Vine Street in Louisville, he was recognized for his vibrant personality and for playing music with enough volume to often drown out the local bar across the street.

While he did not belong to a specific congregation, Legacy.com said that he was a free spirit who lived by a belief in doing good for others.

Above all, Coward took pride in his roles as a father and a “Papaw.” He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Faye Gideons of Charlestown, Indiana, and her partner Rick; his grandson, Ricky; and his sister, Ronni K. Hester of Charlestown, along with her husband Brian.

He also leaves behind his nephews, Brady, Dalton, and Boomer.

Coward was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Dwight Jenks and Chris Jenks, his sister-in-law Shirley Jenks, and his stepfather Ronald Wall, who raised him. His family remembers him for his mechanical talent, his love of loud music, and his kind heart.

The family has scheduled a funeral service for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at E.M. Coots’ Sons Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Eastern Cemetery.

Visitation is set to take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested assistance toward funeral expenses, which can be made through the funeral home or via their Tribute Fund.