By Charity L. Cohen
Special to The Alamance News
Longtime former Gibsonville alderman, Clarence Owen, 84, died last Thursday, January 4.
The cause of Owen’s death hasn’t yet been released but was generally attributed to a period of declining health.
Owen served on the Gibsonville board of aldermen for more than 30 years, but his service to the town went beyond his board leadership. He worked for the Gibsonville Fire Department for over 40 years, serving as fire chief for 12 of those years before his retirement in 2006.
“He did a lot for Gibsonville,” mayor Lenny Williams said. “Everyone in Gibsonville knew him.”
Several Gibsonville aldermen described Owen as unafraid to share his opinions, as well as his passion for the town. Owen completed his most recent term in December 2023 but opted not to run for re-election.
Alderman Tangela Mitchell took Owen’s seat on the board in December.
Owen’s mobility had been limited toward the end of his term, but his dedication to the town pushed him to continue his service. In the last few months of his time on the board, he was usually accompanied at meetings by his son, Alvin Owen.
“We’re going to miss him, the town is gonna miss him, but he did a good job while he was here as fire chief and alderman,” Williams said.
Owen is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nancy Owen; their two children Kathy Somers and Alvin Owen; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
