Thomas V. Towns, Ex-Police Chief in Orange, Dies

Thomas Victor Towns, a former Orange police chief, died of heart failure Thursday at Chapman Hospital. He was 83.

Towns, a 70-year resident of the city, joined the Police Department as an officer in 1934. He was appointed police chief in 1943.

With the exception of a short tour of duty with the Navy Seabees in World War II, Towns served as chief until 1955.

Born on Feb. 2, 1907, Towns moved with his family to Orange County from Salt Lake City in 1909. While on the football team at Orange High School as a lineman, he played against film legend John Wayne in the 1924 California Interscholastic Federation football playoffs.

Upon leaving the Police Department, Towns worked for Consolidated Rock Co. as an equipment operator until 1964 and later joined the America Supply depot in Orange, where he was employed until his retirement in 1972.

Visitation will be today and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. at Fairhaven Mortuary, Santa Ana. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Waverly Church, Fairhaven Memorial Park, Santa Ana. Burial will be at the memorial park.