Dave Ward, the longtime KTRK anchor, died Saturday night from complications related to pneumonia, after a five-decade career that made him one of the most recognizable figures in Houston television. He was 86.
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On Sunday, his family revealed that Houston television anchor Dave Ward, who worked for KTRK for nearly 50 years and set a Guinness World Record, died Saturday night from pneumonia. He died at 86.
An obituary published Sunday said Huntsville native Ward died surrounded by relatives. The family said his condition followed years of medical issues.
Since 1968, Ward has been a fixture in Houston households, anchoring newscasts longer than any other television news anchor at a single station. He became one of Texas journalism's most trusted characters after Guinness Book of World Records recognized his work.
After Ward's death, Houstonians, competitors, and viewers praised his impact on local news and civic involvement.
Ward met several famous sports, economic, and political figures during his career. His outstanding roster includes Astros Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, Indianapolis 500 champion A.J. Foyt, Houston entrepreneur Tilman Fertitta, and former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. Ward interviewed the Bushes at home and on Air Force One, according to the family.
Ward won many professional awards. He won an Emmy in 2007 for a Steve Tyrell special. In 2016, the Lone Star Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded him a Silver Circle Award and inducted him into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Ward was known for his community involvement as well as his radio career. Crime Stoppers of Houston named its Midtown offices after him. Houston awarded him a key in 2017, and in 2018, he became the parade grand marshal at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
Ward's family thanked his medical team in his obituary. “The exceptional skill and empathy demonstrated by the team allowed Dave to enhance the quality of this final chapter in his rich and fulfilling life, even as he faced significant medical challenges,” the family said.
Ward leaves his wife of 23 years, Laura Stoma Ward, three children, three stepchildren, and eight grandchildren.
Houston's St. Martin's Episcopal Church will host the funeral. The announcement of a service date is still pending. KTRK will broadcast the funeral, according to the family.
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