Houston’s broadcasting landscape has changed with the passing of longtime news anchor Dave Ward. Ward spent over 50 years at KTRK, where he held the record for the world’s longest-running television news anchor, and was a familiar presence to multiple generations of viewers in the city.
Ward’s career began in radio before he joined KTRK in 1966. By 1968, he had become the station’s main anchor, a position he maintained for decades, shaping the city’s local news. Although born in Dallas, he became a prominent figure in Houston, earning credibility through his work and the trust he consistently upheld.
His signature greeting, “Good evening, friends,” conveyed a sense of connection with his audience. Over the years, he reported on a wide range of stories, from severe natural disasters to milestones in the space program, consistently approaching each report with attention to accuracy and journalistic standards, as noted by Click2Houston.
Beyond his on-air presence, Ward made significant contributions to the Houston community. He helped establish Houston Crime Stoppers and remained actively involved with the organization, earning the honor of having its headquarters named after him in 2017. "I never dreamed there would be a building on main street, a Crime Stoppers building with my name on it," Ward once expressed, marking just a fraction of his contributions off-air, according to Click2Houston.
He retired in 2017 after a 50-year career, serving not only as a news anchor but also as an active member of the community, leaving a lasting legacy. As KHOU stated, "Our thoughts are with Dave Ward’s family, our colleagues at KTRK, and generations of Houstonians who grew up watching Ward deliver the news." Ward is survived by his wife, Laura, his children, and his grandchildren, as well as the many Houstonians who remember him for his dedication to reporting the news with honesty and integrity.
