Felix D.J. Vigil

Felix De Jesus Vigil

November 22, 1953 – July 13, 2025

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Rev. Felix De Jesus Vigil, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and faithful servant of God. He entered into eternal rest on July 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 71.

Born on November 22, 1953, in Fontana, California, Felix was a man who dedicated his life early to Godly purpose, compassion, and unwavering service to others. He lived in Bloomington, California, graduated from Bloomington High, and eventually attended Bethany Nazarene College, working as a printer to afford his pastoral ministry studies. He faithfully served the Lord for more than five decades in a variety of ministry roles, not just with words from the pulpit but also with music and by the way he lived each day-humbly, generously, and full of grace.

Rev. Vigil first served as the senior pastor of Cleo Springs Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma, for three and a half years. He continued in ministry at Vici Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma, for an additional 3.5 years. He was eventually called to serve at Madera Church of the Nazarene in Madera, California, for thirteen years. Music was an integral part of his early life, as well as all aspects of his ministry. Upon retirement from the pastorate, he served in para-church ministry leadership for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Valley Educational Services. He also served on the board of directors for the Madera Rescue Mission. He was asked to serve as interim Executive Director and was eventually appointed as the official Executive Director for seven years. His love for service, working with his hands, and for others led him to work as a handyman. He also enjoyed serving as a chaplain for Cedar Creek Senior Living. He continued in these roles until his health declined, which prevented him from active ministry. In every and all of his ministry roles, he touched countless lives through his preaching, counseling, music ministry, community outreach, and mentorship. He was especially known for his unconditional kindness, his steady presence in times of crisis, and his remarkable ability to meet people where they were, always without judgment,

always with love.

His children, Felicia (Jeff), Phillip (Michele), and Joseph (Jayson) saw firsthand his love for the Lord and others, learning by example that generosity, authenticity, and unconditional love were of the highest value. He also modeled for them a love of life and humor, never taking himself too seriously. These traits and the many memories that accompany them are precious to them and their children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Augustine and Nicolasa Elvera Vigil (Rivera), Samuel Vigil, Donald Vigil, John Vigil, Robert Vigil, Cookie Abetta, Francis Almond, and Ramona Taylor. He leaves behind his beloved wife Carol Vigil (Donson); his children Felicia (Jeff) Haberl, Phillip (Michele) Vigil, and Jospeh (Jayson) Camaquin-Vigil; six grandchildren (Nate, Jo, Justin, Jesse, William, and Sean); his sister Virginia Smith; his half-sister Stella Hernandez; his half brothers Victor Vigil, Alfonso Vigil, and Peter Vigil; and many others who have become family because of his great love and impact in their lives.

A celebration of Rev. Vigil's life will be held on Tuesday, July 22, at 10:30 a.m. at Madera United Methodist Church, Madera, California. The celebration of life will continue with a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Madera Rescue Mission or Hinds Hospice-continuing the work Felix so passionately believed in and the ministry that blessed him in his final days.

His favorite verse was John 14:1-4, which says, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go, you know, and the way you know." Rev. Felix Vigil placed his confidence in the Lord and his faithfulness and now rests in the peace of his Savior.

Madera Rescue Mission: 1305 Clinton Street, Madera, CA, 93638

Hinds Hospice: 2490 West Shaw Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711