Houston has lost one of its most iconic voices. Dave Ward, the legendary anchor at ABC13 (KTRK), passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 86 after a remarkable career that spanned more than 50 years. He earned a Guinness World Record for the longest tenure as a TV news anchor at the same station in the same market.
Born in Dallas in 1939 and raised in Huntsville, Dave began his broadcasting journey in radio while attending Tyler Junior College, working as a DJ at KGKB in Tyler. He moved to Waco, then to Houston in the early 1960s, where he became a reporter and news director at KNUZ radio. In 1966, he joined KTRK as the station’s sole on-the-street reporter and photographer. Just two years later, in 1968, he became the main anchor for the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcasts. He held that role with grace and integrity until his retirement in 2017. He loved Houston sports and was once radio announcer for the Oilers.
Dave was the ultimate professional: authentic, deeply committed to Houston, and unwavering in his priority to get the facts right. Storytelling was his gift. He made every broadcast feel personal, always opening with his signature “Good evening, friends.”
Like so many Houston families, I grew up watching Dave Ward alongside my parents in our living room, gathered around the TV for the evening news. That was back when live broadcasts brought everyone together. Watching the Eyewitness News team of Dave Ward, Shara Fryer, Marvin Zindler, Bob Allen, and Ed Brandon was a daily ritual in my house as a kid. Today, news consumption has shifted; the “living room TV” is now our phones, and stories reach us on the go. But one thing remains timeless: even in this fast-paced digital age, Dave Ward’s level of integrity, professionalism, and genuine care would shine through.
A true Houston legend has passed, but his legacy will never be forgotten. He inspired countless colleagues and viewers alike with his dedication to truthful journalism and his love for this city. At Houston City Beat, we are profoundly grateful for Dave Ward’s contributions. He set the standard for what we strive to do every day: share real stories about Houston with honesty and heart. Thank you, Dave, for loving Houston as much as we do.
Personally, I had the privilege of meeting Dave a few times over the years. As a high school student in the early ’90s, I visited KTRK on a radio/TV field trip and met him in the studio. He was incredibly gracious to us wide-eyed kids dreaming of careers in broadcasting. Later, when I worked for the Astros, he threw out a ceremonial first pitch at Minute Maid Park. And I’ll never forget when he personally signed a copy of his autobiography, Good Evening, Friends, for me at the Crime Stoppers Building downtown. Dave Ward was a class act through and through.
Rest in peace, Dave. Good evening, friend.
Here are the funeral plans for Dave Ward, according to ABC13:
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17: Ward will lie in repose at the Crime Stoppers of Houston Dave Ward Building, 3001 Main St.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18: Public visitation for Ward open to all at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, 1010 Bering Dr.
Noon Friday, Dec. 19: Funeral service for Ward open to the public at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd.
