American Roman Catholic prelate, Bishop of Victoria in Texas
The Most Reverend David Eugene Fellhauer, a respected American Roman Catholic prelate who served as the second Bishop of Victoria in Texas for a quarter-century, passed away on March 3, 2026, at the age of 86. His life was marked by dedicated service to the Church, beginning with his early formation and extending through his episcopal leadership. Bishop Fellhauer's commitment to canon law and pastoral care left a lasting impact on the dioceses he served.
Born on August 19, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, David Eugene Fellhauer embarked on his spiritual journey at a young age. He pursued his high school, college, and seminary training at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. This foundational education prepared him for a life devoted to God and the Catholic faithful.
His priestly ordination took place on May 29, 1965, for the Diocese of Dallas-Fort Worth. In the years that followed, Father Fellhauer distinguished himself through further academic pursuits, earning a Doctor of Canon Law degree from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1979. His expertise in canon law led to significant administrative roles within the Diocese of Dallas, where he served as Assistant Judicial Vicar from 1975 and later as Judicial Vicar from 1979 until his episcopal appointment.
On April 19, 1990, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the second Bishop of Victoria in Texas. He received his episcopal consecration and was installed on May 28, 1990, at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral in Victoria. During his tenure, Bishop Fellhauer provided steadfast leadership, guiding the diocese with wisdom and a deep understanding of Church law.
Beyond his diocesan responsibilities, Bishop Fellhauer contributed to the broader Church through his work with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, where he chaired the Committee on Canonical Affairs. His contributions to the field of canon law were recognized in 1998 when he received the prestigious Role of Law award from the Canon Law Society of America.
Bishop Fellhauer's motto, "To witness the charity of Christ," encapsulated his mission and guided his pastoral approach. He encouraged the faithful of the Diocese of Victoria to join him in embodying Christ's love in their daily lives. After 25 years of devoted service, Pope Francis accepted his resignation on April 23, 2015, as he reached the customary retirement age for bishops. He remained a revered figure in the diocese, remembered for his intellectual rigor, pastoral heart, and unwavering faith.
Those who wish to honor David's memory are invited to .
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Condolences to family and friends on the passing of my longtime classmate and pal Dave who when we were young (we met in 1953) was a model teenage seminarian who then became a remarkable priest and a great bishop. For eleven years at the Pontifical College Josephinum, I sat behind him (and the back of his head) because we always sat in alphabetical order: Fellhauer, Fritscher.... As a result, we talked together often and our friendship continued on past our school days as we corresponded through the years. Dave was a shining light of our class of 1965. He was one of the most kind people I ever met. Rest in peace, old friend. Here's Dave in a photo I shot of him in spring 1955.
Bishop Fellhauer's faithful service and compassionate heart touched so many lives. May his legacy of faith and kindness continue to inspire us all. He will be deeply missed.
Condolences to family and friends on the passing of my longtime classmate and pal Dave who when we were young (we met in 1953) was a model teenage seminarian who then became a remarkable priest and a great bishop. For eleven years at the Pontifical College Josephinum, I sat behind him (and the back of his head) because we always sat in alphabetical order: Fellhauer, Fritscher.... As a result, we talked together often and our friendship continued on past our school days as we corresponded through the years. Dave was a shining light of our class of 1965. He was one of the most kind people I ever met. Rest in peace, old friend. Here's Dave in a photo I shot of him in spring 1955.
Bishop Fellhauer's faithful service and compassionate heart touched so many lives. May his legacy of faith and kindness continue to inspire us all. He will be deeply missed.
