Arnold Ward 2 Councilman David Owens, 56, died Wednesday morning (Dec. 12).
The city of Arnold announced Owens’ death on its website later that day.
“It is our sad duty to announce the passing this morning of city of Arnold Councilman David Owens after a short illness,” according to the website posting. “Councilman Owens faithfully served the residents and businesses of Ward 2 for the past three years and eight months. The city of Arnold is grateful for the service, vision, and dedication of this fine public servant and extends its condolences to the family of Councilman Owens.”
City Administrator Bryan Richison said Owens “was easy to work with and easy to talk to.
“He was down to earth, straightforward. You always knew what he was thinking. We got along well. I think he was a good person all around.”
Brian McArthur, the city’s other Ward 2 Councilman, said he was sad to learn of Owens’ death.
“Today we lost a great councilman, friend and police officer,” he said on the Arnold, MO Ward 2 Residents Facebook page. “Please keep his family in your prayers through this trying time. He has been battling cancer for a while now and unfortunately lost the battle early (Wednesday).”
Owens was a police officer for more than 30 years. He was a detective with the Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department in north St. Louis County and served as a community relations officer and school resource officer, according to information he provided when he last ran for the Ward 2 seat.
Jeremy Ihler, the Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Chief, said Owens was well liked there, too, and his colleagues were sad to learn he had succumbed to cancer.
“He was a friend to many and loved by all,” Ihler said on the Police Department’s Facebook page. “His family reports that they are holding up as well as could be expected and I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
Owens was a graduate of Fox High School, Jefferson College and the Jefferson College Police Academy. He attended the First Baptist Church of Arnold and was a member of the Arnold VFW Men’s Auxiliary, the Fraternal Order of Police and the Missouri School Resource Officer Association. He also served as the president of the local Fraternal Order of Police and has been a member of the American Legion and Amvets, according to the election survey he completed.
Owens was elected to the Ward 2 seat in April of 2015 and re-elected in 2017.
He and his wife, Margo, have four children, two stepchildren and several grandchildren.
Hoffmeister South County Chapel is handling the funeral arrangements. A visitation will be held from 2-7 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 16) at the funeral home, 1515 Lemay Ferry Road, in St. Louis County. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday (Dec. 17) at the funeral home.
Ihler said Owens was “very dedicated to Backstoppers and Responder Rescue.
“In lieu of flowers, it was his wish that donations be made to either of those charities.”