“The Voice of Houston” Gets His Own Street!
For over fifty years, legendary Channel 13 newsman Dave Ward began every newscast with “Good evening, friends.” Talking to friends is how Dave thought about his nightly interaction with his viewers and his viewers felt the same way about him. Well, now this cherished media “friend” has his namesake street just outside the KTRK station. From now on, “Honorary Dave Ward Place” will welcome guests into the facility where Dave made so many memories and lifetime friends.
Dave began his career in 1966, and for five decades, he was the “Dean of Houston News,” and viewers tuned in to hear this beloved personality “tell it like it was.” His career allowed him to interview five U.S. Presidents, calm the city during natural disasters, and he was instrumental in establishing Crime Stoppers in Houston, which appropriately named its building after him. Over his lifetime, Dave Ward received numerous awards and accolades. One of his extraordinary accomplishments was being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-running local TV news anchor in the world at the same station in the same market.
Dave’s wife, Laura Ward, well-known and respected as the President & CEO of Houston Children’s Charity, accompanied him to the unveiling where Mayor Sylvester Turner and Police Chief Troy Finner shared touching words about this astounding honoree and his astonishing and unmatched legacy. Dave jokingly remarked after hearing his well-earned tributes, “I’ve got my name on a building, and now I’ve got my name on a street. I guess a few people have heard of me.” Well, Dave, that is an understatement! We’ve all heard of you and hung on to your every word for years, and now, we have one more way of keeping you in our lives and in our hearts!
Houston broadcast dignitaries, anchors, employees, and station management on-hand to celebrate with Dave included Don Nelson, Shara Fryer, Don Kobos, Jan Carson, Christi Myers, Warner Roberts and Tina & Dave Strickland. Other notable guests joining the festivities were Edna Meyer-Nelson, Carol Sawyer, Chris Kase, Penny Loyd, Hallie Vanderhider, Rania Mankarious, District Attorney Kim Ogg, Donna Vallone, Senator John Whitmire, and Bobby Dees.
