Dave Ward, legendary Houston news anchor, dies

Dave Ward, legendary Houston news anchor, dies

Dave Ward , a broadcast journalism icon whose voice and presence defined local television news for generations in Houston, has died at the age of 86.  Ward passed away on December 13, 2025 , leaving behind a profound legacy as one of America’s most recognizable and trusted news anchors. Ward’s remarkable career spanned more than 50 years at ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK-TV), where he became synonymous with evening newscasts and garnered widespread respect for his commitment to factual, compassionate reporting.  A Voice for Generations Born David Henry Ward in Dallas in 1939 and raised in Huntsville, Texas , Ward began his media journey in radio before transitioning to television.  He joined KTRK-TV in 1966 as a street reporter and photographer and quickly became a fixture in Houston homes.  By 1968, he was anchoring the weekday evening newscasts , a role he would hold for nearly half a century.  Ward’s signature greeting, “Good evening, friends,” became as familiar to viewers as the city skyline i…