Deacon Francis Xavier Doan Ngoc Chau, who served as a deacon at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Madison Heights, died Thursday, April 8, 2021, after a lengthy illness. He was 69.

He was born on April 12, 1951, to Roco Bong Doan and Anna Suong Ho. Deacon Xavier Chau Doan enjoyed listening to modern Catholic music. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and exploring nature. Deacon Xavier Chau Doan was married to Huong Tran.

In 1994, Deacon Xavier Chau Doan discerned a call to the diaconate. On Oct. 4, 2003, he was ordained a permanent deacon by Cardinal Adam J. Maida and served at St. Athanasius in Roseville, as well as St. Dennis in Royal Oak and St. Vincent Ferrer in Madison Heights. 

Encouraged by Dr. Peter Williamson, Deacon Xavier Chau Doan went on his first mission with Renewal Ministries to the diocese of Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, in 2007. He returned to Vietnam on a mission every year since to teach, to pray for healing, and to baptize people in the Holy Spirit. He was the country coordinator for Vietnam. He served faithfully, and proudly for 18 years until his health began to fail. 

He is preceded in death by his younger brother Francisco Xavier Doan Thanh Son. He is survived by his older siblings Nguyet and Nga Doan and his younger siblings Thach, Dzung, Cuc, Phu, Quy, Ngoc, and Lien Doan. He is the uncle of 37 nieces and nephews.

The funeral arrangement is held at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071. Because of COVID-19, the number of indoor attendees is limited. Please contact the funeral home for details on the viewing process.

Mass for Deacon Xavier Doan will be celebrated Friday, April 16, 2021, at 10 a.m., at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 28353 Herbert St., Madison Heights. Burial to follow the Mass at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Roseville.