Keith Franklin Owens, age 70, departed his earthly residence and entered his Heavenly home on April 24, 2026.

Keith was born on September 10, 1955 in Caldwell County, North Carolina to the late Roy and Mary Owens.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Roy "Butch" Owens Jr.

Those left to cherish his memory include his brother, Jeff Owens; sister-in-law, Laura Owens; and nephew, Matthew Owens and family. In addition to his family, he is survived by other special loved ones, Randy and Crystal Faw and son Zaine, as well as Kate Johnson.

Chief Owens' family and the entire emergency services family will mourn his loss. Former Fire Chief Keith Owens was a leader whose bravery and dedication inspired generations of firefighters and civilians alike. He served with love, compassion, and dedication that remained unwavering throughout his entire adult life.

Chief Owen's extraordinary commitment spanned over five decades, including 55 years of service with the Gamewell Fire Department, where he served as Chief for 31 years. His passion extended throughout North Carolina, with 20 years at Lenoir Fire Department and 13 years with the NC Forest Service. Chief Owens also served proudly on the WNCAF Board from 2001-2003.

Beyond his operational leadership, Chief Owens was a devoted educator. In 2018, his vision for youth mentorship became a reality with the founding of a junior firefighter academy, which was renamed the Chief Keith Owens Junior Fire Academy in 2023. His legacy will live on through the cadets who continue to learn the values of emergency services in his honor.

A funeral service to honor the life of Chief Keith Owens will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 2PM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Reverend Jason Hines and Reverend Billy Clawson officiating.

A small procession of fire apparatus will escort Chief Owens to the church. All other fire apparatus will stage at the church.

Burial will immediately follow the service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

Following the burial, the family will receive visitors in the church's fellowship hall. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chief Keith Owens' honor to the North Carolina Firefighters' Burned Children Fund by visiting https://www.ffbcf.org/copy-of-board-of-directors.

A last call will go out to announce that Fire Chief Owens has answered his final alarm. That call will end with the words, "Thank you, Chief Owens, for your service and dedication not only to the departments you served, but to Caldwell County as a whole for leading, teaching, and mentoring what the fire service is today. Rest easy brother, we will take it from here."

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.