Dave Ward, ABC13 anchor emeritus with historic career, honored with public celebration at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houstonians gathered at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church on Friday to bid a final farewell to legendary Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward, honoring his remarkable legacy and decades of service to the community.
Dave’s funeral service was open to the public.
Familiar faces in the ABC13 family, past and present, attended, including Tom Koch, Don Nelson, and Ted Oberg.
Close friends and well-known Houstonians served as pallbearers, including honorary, such as Houston Mayor John Whitmire, former Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell, attorney Tony Buzbee, Houston Rockets owner, businessman, and U.S. ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, former ABC13 meteorologist Tim Heller, former investigative reporter Wayne Dolcefino, ABC13 anchor/reporter Tom Abrahams, and ABC13 reporter Bob Slovak.
During the ceremony, everyone heard from Dave one last time in the form of a recording, his final goodbye.
On Thursday, people paid their respects during a public visitation at George Lewis and Sons Funeral Directors.
ABC13 memorabilia honoring Dave was on display as those who knew him over his storied career came to pay their respects in person.
Dave died Saturday at the age of 86.
For more than 50 years, Dave was Houston’s anchorman. He began each newscast with his signature line, “Good evening, friends.” That’s how the legendary newsman felt about the viewers who shared his love for the city he was so proud to call his home.
SEE ABC13 Special: “Good Evening Friends, I’m Dave Ward
ABC13 is remembering the life and honoring the legacy of Dave Ward, who served as Houston’s anchorman for 50 years.
Copyright © 2025 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
