Walter "Richard" Morales aka "Coach Mo", aged 63, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024. Born on October 10, 1960, in Baton Rouge, he was the son of Claude Elmo Morales Sr., and Barbara Jane Morales. He lived a life filled with love, laughter, passion, and fun.
Richard will be remembered for the love he had for 'his girls', his family -- related and chosen, friends, his faith, football, sports, WWE, the outdoors, his Cajun heritage, cooking...he loved so many things in life. He wore many hats, filled many roles, and went by many names: Richard, Richie, Big D, Brillo, Dad, Uncle Richie, and Coach Mo. Out of all of his roles, he was the best as Dad and Coach. These were also the roles of which he was most proud. He had many achievements in life. If he could still speak, he would most likely argue that one of his top achievements would be living for as long as he did. Considering his wild tales and varied experiences, most people who knew him well would probably agree.
When Richard did eventually settle down, he married Rachel Rodriguez in November of 1995. They met at a Halloween party, and would go on to raise two beautiful children who shared his love for friends and family. He was an Istrouma High alum and pursued higher education. He received a bachelor’s in secondary education with a concentration in social studies at Southern University. His daughters followed in his footsteps pursuing higher education and both obtaining bachelors degrees.
He fulfilled his dream of being a head football coach at Port Allen High School in the early 2000s. He would then fulfill his dream of being a part of a championship winning team of coaches and players with Livonia High in December 2014. He never gave up on his dreams. He instead created a space where he could achieve them. This process of creation and the endless optimism necessary to pursue one’s goals are one of the biggest gifts he leaves his daughters. He encouraged everyone around him, from his family and friends to his students, to be the best they could be.
He touched the lives of many with his humor and kindness. He was passionate and always full of life. He showed how much he cared about his family, students, and coaches through his work and acts of service. He was humble as a leader, but fiercely protective of those he led. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
His number one achievement in his whole life was being a dad to his daughters. From going fishing to beach trips, from coaching little kids’ basketball and giving life advice when they got older, being a dad was his biggest, most trying, yet most rewarding adventure to him.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Rachel Rodriguez Morales, daughters, Gabriela Elise Morales (Jason L. Augusta) and Michelle Marie Morales, brother Claude "Button" Morales Jr.( Delcia), sisters, Robin Boudreaux, Raven Johnson (Darrell), and Lark Jean Morales, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews— and countless friends, acquaintances, students, and sports' players.
Richard is predeceased by his father, Claude Elmo Morales Sr., his mother, Barbara Jane Morales, and brother-in-law Carl Boudreaux.
Pall bearers will be Claude “Button” Morales Jr., Derek Morales, Jason Augusta, Robert Rodriguez, Donovan Corkran, and Darrell Johnson. Honorary pall bearers include Robin Free, Bert Clement, and Don Schexnayder.
His visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Sunday, March 24, 2025 from 4 P.M. - 8 P.M. His funeral will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024 at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge with visitation at 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M., followed by mass at 10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. After mass, he will be laid to rest at Resthaven. Reception will follow at St. George’s Kleinpeter Center.
Richard may be gone from our sight, but his memory will forever live on in our hearts. May he rest in peace and fun. His memory will live on in the lives he touched.
