Alton Allen, 91, Supervisor for 2 Terms, Dies in Laguna

Alton E. Allen, a two-term Orange County supervisor and political figure during the ‘60s and ‘70s, has died at age 91.

As he requested, Allen will be cremated and his ashes released at sea, his grandson Allen Wells said. The services will be handled by Backs-Kaulbars Baggott Schacht Mortuary in Anaheim.

A longtime Laguna Beach resident, Allen’s involvement in politics began after he retired as vice president in charge of Security First (later Security Pacific) National Bank’s Orange County branches.

In 1962, at the age of 65, the outspoken Republican was elected to the Board of Supervisors to represent the 5th District. He served two terms, surviving two bitterly fought recall attempts before losing a third-term bid in 1970 to Ronald Caspers.

Allen’s pet projects during his tenure included the construction of Dana Point Harbor and the Orange County Courthouse.

He was appointed to the California Water Quality Control Board, District 9, by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan, according to a written statement by his son, Jack H. Allen.

Allen died on Friday at his home in Laguna Beach.

He is survived by his son, Jack H. Allen of South Laguna; his daughter, Barbara Wells of Laguna Beach; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.