Ed O'Daniel, Sr, 97, died Monday, August 6, 2012 in Lexington, KY. He was a life long farmer in Marion County, where his family owned and operated the family farm near St. Mary's.

Lucy Marie Robinson and Ed were married at St. Charles Catholic Church on June 17, 1937. Lucy died February 28, 2006. They were predeceased by two of their children, Sam Thomas O'Daniel and Joseph Frances O'Daniel. A granddaughter, Cindy Nelson, also predeceased them, as well as Ed's brother, William O'Daniel, of Bardstown. Ed's parents were Frank and Francesca O'Daniel.

Survivors include his son H. Edward O'Daniel, Jr. and daughter Susan Ann Mangan and their spouses Kris and John, and daughter-in-law Connie O'Daniel and Ruth O'Daniel. Nine grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren also survives. His sister, Columbia O'Daniel, also survives.

Ed co-founded the Marion County Water District and managed the District until his retirement. He also was a co-founder and organizer of the Marion County Ham Days Festival. He was a co-owner and developer of New Farmers Tobacco Warehouse in Lebanon. Ed represented Marion County on the Board of Directors at Inter County RECC for twenty-nine years and was a member of the East Kentucky Power Cooperative Board for twelve years. He was a partner in Campbell O'Daniel Insurance Agency in Lebanon and served several terms as President of the Marion County Farm Bureau.

Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Lebanon. Visitations will be Wednesday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 Wednesday evening by Deacon Joe Dant.