Funeral plans announced for Dave Ward, Houston’s longest-serving TV news anchor, with public visitation and services scheduled this week. – Houston is preparing to say goodbye to Dave Ward, the city’s longest-serving television news anchor, with public visitation and funeral services scheduled this week.
Ward will lie in repose on Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Crimestoppers of Houston Dave Ward building, located at 3001 Main Street. Public visitation will be held Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at George H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, 1010 Bering Drive. The funeral service will take place on Dec. 19, at noon at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road.
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Ward, who began his career as ABC 13 Eyewitness News’s only street reporter and photographer in 1966, became a trusted voice for generations of Houston viewers. Two years after joining the station, he began anchoring weekday evening newscasts, a role that would define Houston television news for five decades.
Known for his signature greeting, “Good evening, friends,” Ward developed a unique connection with his audience, making viewers feel personally welcomed into their evening news broadcasts.
Beyond his distinguished broadcasting career, Ward made significant contributions to his community. He played an instrumental role in establishing Houston Crime Stoppers, eventually becoming a lifetime member. His dedication to the organization was recognized in 2017 when Crime Stoppers named its new headquarters in his honor.
His community service extended beyond Crime Stoppers, including serving as president of the Houston Easter Seals Society and maintaining active involvement in several local organizations.
Ward underwent heart surgery in December 2016, and after 50 years on the air in Houston, he bid farewell to his viewers on May 2, 2017.
Known as the Dean of Houston News, Ward is survived by his wife Laura, his children, grandchildren, and countless Houstonians who welcomed him into their homes like family each evening for half a century.