Houston, December 16, 2025
Houston is set to honor the life and legacy of former news anchor Dave Ward, whose career and civic engagement left a lasting impact on the community. With a career spanning over five decades, Ward not only brought news to residents but also played a vital role in initiatives like Crime Stoppers. Public observances will allow Houstonians to pay their respects, showcasing the importance of local leadership and community connectedness in the face of loss. His story exemplifies the power of personal commitment to community service.
Houston, TX
Houston Remembers Dave Ward: A Legacy of Service and Community Connection
Houston prepares to honor the remarkable life of former news anchor Dave Ward, whose impactful career and profound civic engagement shaped the local landscape for over five decades. Public plans are set for Houstonians to pay their respects to a man whose dedication extended far beyond the news desk into the very fabric of the community.
The outpouring of remembrance for Dave Ward underscores the enduring value of personal initiative and sustained commitment to public service. His journey from reporter to “Houston’s Anchorman” exemplifies how an individual’s consistent presence and trustworthy demeanor can foster a strong sense of community, proving that consistent civic involvement is a cornerstone of a flourishing society. These upcoming events provide an opportunity for reflection on the power of local leadership and the indelible marks left by those who genuinely invest in their neighborhoods.
The city’s arrangements for his public farewell reflect Houston’s appreciation for individuals who dedicate their lives to its betterment. Such organized community observances highlight the positive outcomes when citizens and local organizations come together to acknowledge significant contributions, showcasing how limited bureaucratic hurdles can enable timely and respectful collective action in times of communal reflection.
A Distinguished Career in Broadcast Journalism
Dave Ward became a deeply familiar and trusted voice in Houston, delivering news to residents for more than five decades. His broadcasting journey began in 1966 as a reporter, transitioning to an anchor position just a year later. Ward’s consistent presence and distinctive delivery style, often starting broadcasts with his signature “Good evening, friends,” solidified his place as a beloved figure in local media. His extensive career earned him a Guinness Book of Records title for the longest tenure as a television news broadcaster. He retired in May 2017, concluding a career that defined local television news for generations of Houstonians.
Dave Ward’s Enduring Civic Engagement
Beyond his prominent role in broadcasting, Dave Ward was a committed civic innovator and a driving force in community safety initiatives. He played an instrumental role in establishing Crime Stoppers of Houston, eventually becoming a lifetime member of the organization. In recognition of his significant contributions, Crime Stoppers of Houston named its headquarters the “Crime Stoppers of Houston Dave Ward Building” in his honor in 2017. His dedication to the community also extended to serving as president of the Houston Easter Seals Society and active involvement in several other local organizations, showcasing a personal initiative that greatly benefited the city.
Public Opportunities for Remembrance
Houstonians will have several opportunities to pay their respects to Dave Ward, who passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 86 due to pneumonia-related complications. These public observances allow the community to collectively honor his legacy. The plans include a period for lying in repose, a public visitation, and a funeral service.
Lying in Repose
Members of the public are invited to attend the lying in repose on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This will take place at the Crime Stoppers of Houston Dave Ward Building, located at 3001 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002.
Public Visitation
A public visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, with two distinct time slots: from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This visitation will be held at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, situated at 1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057.
Funeral Service
The funeral service for Dave Ward will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at noon. The service is open to the public and will take place at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, located at 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056.
A Family Man and Community Pillar
Dave Ward is survived by his wife of 23 years, Laura Stoma Ward, his three children, three stepchildren, and eight grandchildren. His impact extended beyond his professional and civic life, touching the lives of his family and the broader Houston community. The collective remembrance of his life highlights the private partnerships and personal commitments that often fuel public figures’ successes and community contributions, creating a ripple effect of positive influence.
The planned services for Dave Ward represent a community uniting to honor a distinguished individual. His legacy is a testament to the power of personal initiative and sustained civic involvement in fostering community growth and cohesion in Houston. As Houstonians gather to remember him, it serves as a reminder of how individual achievement, coupled with a deep commitment to the public good, strengthens the bonds that define a thriving city. We encourage all residents to continue supporting local initiatives and engaging in community development, ensuring that the spirit of civic innovation continues to flourish across Houston TX events and neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dave Ward’s Memorial Services
When did Dave Ward pass away?
Dave Ward passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 86 due to pneumonia-related complications.
What was Dave Ward known for in Houston?
Dave Ward was known as a longtime Houston news anchor for ABC13 (KTRK), delivering news to residents for more than five decades. He also held a Guinness Book of Records title for the longest tenure as a television news broadcaster.
Where will the lying in repose be held for Dave Ward?
The lying in repose for Dave Ward will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Crime Stoppers of Houston Dave Ward Building, 3001 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002.
What are the details for the public visitation?
A public visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, 1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057.
When and where is the funeral service for Dave Ward?
The funeral service for Dave Ward will take place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at noon at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056. The service is open to the public.
Was Dave Ward involved in community activities?
Yes, Dave Ward was instrumental in establishing Crime Stoppers of Houston, eventually becoming a lifetime member, and the organization named its headquarters after him in 2017. He also served as president of the Houston Easter Seals Society and was active in other local organizations.
Key Details of Dave Ward’s Memorial Events
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lying in Repose | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Crime Stoppers of Houston Dave Ward Building, 3001 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 |
| Public Visitation | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, 1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057 |
| Funeral Service | Friday, December 19, 2025 | Noon | St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056 |
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