Before his body lay in repose at the Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters named in his honor, Dave Ward's hearse took the legendary anchor to the studios of ABC13 Houston KTRK on Wednesday morning, his home for five decades, for the last time.
Ward died Saturday at the age of 86 after several years battling medical challenges culminated by a bout of pneumonia.
"We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support, kind words, and heartfelt tributes from so many of you," KTRK posted to social media. "Your messages have reminded us of the impact Dave had on countless lives, both within and beyond our organization."
His former ABC13 colleagues were able to pay their respects at the station.
Houston Chronicle reporters Michael Garcia and Elizabeth Conley wrote of Ward's time at the Crime Stoppers of Houston Dave Ward Building, "Ward's signature cowboy hat and a belt buckle bearing the ABC13 logo rested on top of his casket, with his cowboy boots sitting nearby. The casket was flanked by two containers filled with examples of Ward's work throughout his lengthy career, and a wall display showed more highlights and memories."
“The greatest thing about Dave is he loved everybody and saw everybody equally,” Ward's stepdaughter, Rachelle Rowe, told the Houston Chronicle. “He could talk with presidents and people of all walks of life...he really was the everyman."
- Dave Ward honored on "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir"
Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Ward's public visitation will be held at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors on 1010 Bering Drive.
His funeral, which is open to the public, will take place at noon on Friday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church.
