Vincent Joseph Priestner

Dr. Vince Priestner of Abilene passed away on October 5, 2016. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, with a prayer service to follow at 7 p.m. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, October 11, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Rev. Msgr. Frederick Nawarskas officiating. Vincent J. Priestner was born on January 18, 1942, in Hamilton, Ontario. He graduated from Cathedral High School (where he received the Christian Doctrine Award) and earned a B.S. from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto in 1963 and an M.D. from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa in 1967. In 1966, he married his lifelong love, Maureen Ginty, whom he first met at a high school dance when he was 16. After starting a family and launching Vince’s medical career in Canada, Vince and Maureen visited friends in Abilene, Texas and were immediately enchanted by the warm weather, friendly people, and vibrant community. In 1978, the Priestners moved to their adopted hometown. Over a career spanning nearly 50 years as a medical professional, Vince was passionately committed to helping others while expanding his knowledge, skills, and expertise. He touched countless lives through his service as a trusted family physician, as chief of staff, as an emergency room doctor with Abilene Regional Medical Center, as a member of the medical staff at the Abilene State Supported Living Center, and as a proud member of the Abilene Eye Institute team, where he worked until his retirement last year. Vince was a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and board certified in Family Practice by the American Association of Physician Specialists. He believed strongly in giving back to his profession and served with distinction at the state and local levels, including President of the Taylor-Jones-Haskell County Medical Society. For 38 years, Vince was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He served in numerous leadership positions, including as President of the Parish Council. At the diocesan level, Vince and Maureen were proud to serve as a presenting couple for the Catholic Engaged Encounter program for 17 years. In recognition of their service, Pope Benedict XVI awarded them the papal medal Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice ("For Church and Pontiff"), the highest honor bestowed on lay people by the Vatican. Vince and Maureen were longtime volunteers, supporters, and advocates for the Medical Care Mission and its programs to meet the health care needs of underserved members of the community. They helped provide no-cost immunizations and critically needed care to thousands of Abilene-area children. Vince was still serving as President of the Medical Care Mission Board of Directors when his lifetime of serving his faith, family and fellow citizens came to a close. He will be remembered for his good deeds and bad jokes and his unwavering commitment to helping people in need. Vince was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Priestner; brother Joe and sister Mary; and his wife of 47 years, Maureen. He is survived by three siblings: Bill Priestner, Ted Priestner, and Helen Coates of Ontario; and four children: Paul Priestner and his wife, Vanessa, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Colleen Graves and her husband, Russell, of Abilene; Mark Priestner and his wife, Lauren, of Bullard; and Kevin Priestner and his wife, Holly, of Austin. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Joshua, Greyson, Kalli, Jacob, and Noah. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Medical Care Mission (1857 Pine St., Abilene, TX, 79601), Kenley School (1434 Matador St., Abilene, TX, 79605), Holy Family Catholic Church (5410 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, TX, 79606), or your favorite charity.