VAN ALSTYNE, Texas — The North Texas community is mourning the passing of a deacon who served in a Catholic parish in Allen. Ron Fejeran was hit by a vehicle and killed while on a morning walk in Van Alstyne in early February.
"It was very dark...it is dark in that area. Every indicator is that it was a terrible accident," said Van Alstyne Police Lt. Steven Hayslip.
Ron Fejeran was known to many as "Deacon Ron." Father Andrew Semler tells WFAA that deacon Ron was part of one of the first deacon classes in the Diocese of Dallas. Deacon Ron Fejeran was widely loved. He served at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen as a pastoral minister to the sick and dying.
"He was a man of true faith and he was a man of joy even during times of suffering," said Father Semler.
Deacon Robert Holladay, also of St. Jude Catholic, says Deacon Ron was a powerful force in his own journey to be a deacon. He says Deacon Ron always had time to talk and help people through their problems.
"Anytime I needed something, I'd go see him. Anytime I needed inspiration and guidance, I'd go see him," said Deacon Holladay.
Fejeran leaves behind a very large biological family and an even larger family of faith.Semler tells WFAA that Fejeran did daily morning walk as a time for prayer.
"To me it gives me comfort that he was connected to God," said Fr. Semler.
Funeral services for the deacon were performed last week.
Police say it is unclear if Fejeran was crossing the road at the time of the accident.
An investigation into the matter is ongoing. No charges are currently expected for the driver of the vehicle, police say.
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