Father Romanus Akamike, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of San Angelo, died of natural causes on December 12, 2015, at Sacred Heart Parish in Coleman, Texas.
Fr. Romanus was born to Lucy and Joshua Akamike in Ibeme, Imo State, Nigeria, on October 30, 1954. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dominic and Blessing Akamike, and their six children.
Fr. Romanus was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Okigwe in Nigeria on July 8, 1989, at St. Ita’s Catholic Church in Ibeme. Following his ordination he served at the following parishes: St. Columbus Catholic Church, Nsu; All Saints Church, Avutu, Obowu; and St. Ignatius Church, Umunumo, all in Imo State, Nigeria. Outside the shores of Nigeria, he served at Holy Spirit Parish in Brisbane, Australia and Good Shepherd Parish in Auckland, New Zealand. In July 2000, he entered the Diocese of San Angelo. In 2008, he was incardinated in the Diocese of San Angelo and served at the following parishes: Sacred Heart Church in Abilene, Sts. Joachim & Ann Church in Clyde; St. Charles Church in Eden; St. Phillip Church in Eola; Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Millersview; Sacred Heart Church in Coleman; and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Winters.
In addition to his parish assignments he served on various councils and boards including the Diocesan Presbyteral Council. He earned a Masters Degree in Counseling and Psychology from Angelo State University. He studied Social and Behavioral Sciences in Capella University, Minnesota, and earned a PhD in General Psychology.
Visitation will be at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan, Coleman, Texas, tel.
(325) 625-2175, Monday, Dec. 21, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Tuesday, Dec. 22, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Vigil Service will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 7:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church, 303 E. College Ave, Coleman, Texas, with Rev. Msgr. Fred Nawarskas presiding. An honor guard will be provided by the Knights of Columbus.
The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 20 E. Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, Texas, with Bishop Michael J. Sis presiding. Interment will take place in the Diocese of Okigwe, Nigeria.