Legendary anchor Dave Ward has passed away at 86 on 13 December 2025. The man who holds the Guinness World Record for longest career as a television news broadcaster leaves behind his wife, Laura Ward and their children. Other than his anchoring work, Dave Ward and his wife, Laura, are also known for their contribution to society. Laura Ward: A lifelong advocate for Houston's childrenLaura Ward was born in rural Crowley, Louisiana, and was exposed to poverty from a young age. When she started working as a librarian, she noticed her lunch kept disappearing. Later on, she found out that starving kids were stealing her food out of desperation. This incident left a lasting impact on her. That is when she decided to work directly with children who lack basic amenities. Laura Ward's lifelong calling simply started out as a $5 per plate spaghetti meal to support her kids' private Christian school. After more than 35 years, the movement has grown into one of Houston's most significant philanthropic efforts, with over $140 million raised for children in need. Since co-founding Houston Children’s Charity in 1996, Laura Ward has been its president and CEO, building the organization into what it is through direct, hands-on involvement. She went on countless home visits throughout Houston to personally vet the need, which she has since called both heart-wrenching and informative.She has spoken about seeing babies sleeping in drawers, toddlers crowded onto one mattress, and school-age children curled up inside refrigerator boxes. Those moments directly inspired HCC's core initiatives: A Better Night's Sleep, Chariots for Children, Back2School, HCC Closet, and Christmas Toy Distribution.Through these programs, HCC has touched the lives of more than 8 million children throughout Greater Houston by providing them with a bed, medical mobility vehicles, school supplies, clothes, and other basic goods while preserving dignity and respect for the recipient families.Laura's service beyond HCC, leadership and legacyLaura Ward has worked with other nonprofits throughout the city in addition to Houston Children's Charity. She has long been involved with the Arbor School, Houston Furniture Bank, and Crime Stoppers of Houston, where she oversaw a $10 million capital campaign for the Dave Ward Building.Additionally, she oversaw the Houston Police Foundation's 17-year gala, which helped raise over $12 million to benefit Houston police officers. Her reputation as one of the most successful nonprofit executives in the city has been strengthened by her influence in public safety, healthcare, and education.Laura Ward’s achievements are also widely recognized. She is recognized as a member of the Greater Houston Women’s Hall of Fame, listed in the Most Admired CEOs by the Houston Business Journal, as well as having received various other awards, such as the Freedom to Fly Award, the CCFA "Woman of Distinction" Award, and the Legacy Award from Smart Financial Credit Union.She is honored with a Child Life Room at Texas Children’s Hospital, featured in CityBook’s Philanthropy Report, named a Houston Legend by the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and recognized as one of Porsche’s "Inspiring Women of Houston."Laura and Dave Ward's shared legacy View this post on Instagram Instagram PostDave Ward, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a television news broadcaster and anchored ABC13 KTRK for 49 years, frequently spoke about his wife's work. When Laura was selected as one of CKW Luxe Magazine's Top 20 CEOs of the Year in 2019. Dave Ward went on to say that Houston was "lucky" to have someone like her. He would also post on his social media profile to congratulate her on her achievements. After his retirement in 2017, he continued to be involved in helping his wife. He supported citywide projects and also served on the advisory board. The couple were committed to the people of Houston. Dave Ward leaves behind his legacy, his wife, Laura Ward and their five children.Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.