Dave Ward, Houston’s Anchorman for Over 50 Years, Dies
A broadcasting icon and the trusted face of Houston news for over half a century, Dave Ward, has died. For generations of viewers, he wasn’t just a news anchor; he was a friend who greeted them each evening with his signature sign-off, “Good evening, friends.”
A Lifetime Dedicated to Houston News
David Henry Ward, known simply as “Dave” to his devoted audience, dedicated more than 50 years to reporting and anchoring in Houston. Born in Dallas in 1939 and raised in Huntsville, his broadcasting career began at KGKB Radio in Tyler while still in college. He quickly ascended through the ranks, joining WACO Radio three years later and becoming Program Director the following year.
In 1962, Ward brought his talents to Houston, initially working as a News Reporter and News Director for KNUZ Radio for four years. He joined Channel 13 (KTRK-TV) in 1966 as the station’s first on-the-street reporter and photographer, transitioning to anchor the weekday 7 a.m. newscast in early 1967. That same year, he launched the popular “Dialing for Dollars” program, which later evolved into “Good Morning Houston,” captivating viewers with his engaging presence. By January 1968, he became the anchor of Eyewitness News at 6 and 10 p.m., a position he held for decades.
A Record-Breaking Career
Ward’s commitment to KTRK-TV was unparalleled. In June 2016, he was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-running local TV news anchor in the world at the same station and in the same market – a testament to his enduring connection with the Houston community. He continued to share the stories of Houston even after signing off from anchoring ABC13 Eyewitness News in May 2017, through his program “Dave Ward’s Houston,” which celebrated the city’s unique character and its people.
Covering History, Building Trust
Over five decades, Ward reported on pivotal moments in history, from space exploration and the Vietnam peace talks to natural disasters and political events, including a one-on-one interview with President Obama. He consistently prioritized factual reporting, earning the trust of Houstonians as one of the nation’s most respected news anchors. His down-to-earth style and dedication to presenting all sides of a story solidified his position as the most trusted newsman in the city.
Ward’s coverage extended beyond local events. He reported from the Florida launch site for Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and all shuttle flights, and covered fires, explosions, earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes throughout Texas and the South. He interviewed five U.S. Presidents and Vice President Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller, and reported from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, and Colombia on stories with a Houston connection.
A Champion of Community Service
Beyond his broadcasting career, Ward was deeply committed to community service. He served as president of the Houston Easter Seals Society and hosted numerous telethons. He was actively involved with the Houston Business Council, the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia Society, and the Press Club of Houston. His lifelong memberships in Crime Stoppers, the 100 Club of Houston, the Partnership for Baylor College of Medicine, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo demonstrate his dedication to improving the lives of others. He also served on the boards of the Houston Police Foundation and Houston Children’s Charity.
Ward’s work with Crime Stoppers of Houston was particularly impactful. He was instrumental in establishing the organization in 1981 and pioneered the use of crime reenactments, a model adopted by similar programs nationwide. He became Crime Stoppers’ first on-air reporter, driven by a passionate commitment to reducing crime in Houston.
Recognized for Excellence
Throughout his illustrious career, Ward received numerous accolades. He was presented with the City of Houston Public Service Award in 1973 for his coverage of the Managua earthquake. In 2002, he received the Leon Goldstein Award for Outstanding Service in Fighting Crime from Houston Crime Stoppers. He earned a regional Emmy in 2007 for his interviews with singer-songwriter Steve Tyrell. The Lone Star Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences inducted him into their Silver Circle in 2011 for 25 years of contributions to the television broadcast community, and into their Gold Circle in 2024 for 50 years in the industry. He was also honored by the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas and inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2016, and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Hall of Fame in 2017.
Dave Ward’s legacy extends far beyond the headlines he delivered. He was a constant presence in the lives of Houstonians, a trusted voice, and a true Texas original. His warmth, integrity, and dedication to his community will be deeply missed.
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