ABC13 Houston KTRK Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward was laid to rest today, starting with his funeral service at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Sage.
Ward, 86, died Saturday evening after several years battling medical challenges culminating in a bout of pneumonia.
I was asked to be an honorary pallbearer for the service, which meant a lot to me.
Many in the crowd felt this day marked the end of an era for television news, but even amid the sadness, the palpable celebration of a man who had impacted Houston in so many ways was evident.
The touching ceremony began with biblical readings from his stepdaughters, Rachelle Rowe and Corey Flores, with an additional reading from his granddaughter, Sarah Heatley.
Three emotional eulogies were offered by friends of Ward's who all saw a different side of the iconic Houston journalist: Dave Strickland, his former producer and eventual news director; Jim McGrath, his biography's co-author; and restaurant magnate, Houston Rockets owner, and current United States Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta.
A surprise recording Ward made a year ago played through the church's speakers as the anchor's last goodbye. Hearing that familiar booming voice echo through the sanctuary was as close to an in-person goodbye as attendees could get.
The white gloved pallbearers were Dr. Mohammed Attar, Jim McGrath, Jeff Bagwell, Jim McInvale, Gary Becker, Dan Pastorini, Anthony Buzbee, Dave Strickland, Tilman Fertitta, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire.
Honorary pallbearers included Tom Abrahams, Ted Oberg, Mike McGuff, Elvin Bethea, John Mubarak, Wayne Dolcefino, Don Nelson, Tony Gracely, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Tim Heller, Dr. Tom Sawyer, Bob Jackson, Justin Sternberg, Don Kobos, Bob Slovak, and Tom Koch.
