deacon

The family sang gospel music and were active in the Church of God in Christ, where K.C. was a deacon.

"We hope he'll continue with Francis's agenda going forward," said Rick Stevens, a Catholic deacon from New Jersey who happened to be visiting Chicago when he heard the news.

The 82-year-old military veteran and church deacon received no warnings to evacuate before the Eaton fire swept through his neighborhood, his daughter said.

Advocates for greater roles for women in the Church had hoped the synod might call for women to serve as deacons.

Roles across his long, busy career have included reverend, inspector, captain, sergeant, doctor, coach, sheriff, pastor, mayor, deacon and, notably, Adm.