Roll Call Tribute

Published in Houston Chronicle on June 12, 2012

Richard Morales
Richard V. Morales , 85, went to be with his Lord & Savior on Saturday, June 9, 2012. Memorials: In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial Assistance Ministries or a charity of choice. Rick was born April 16, 1927 in Port Arthur, Texas. He graduated from San Antonio Vo-Tech High School in 1946. After high school, Rick served his country in the United States Navy. He is a former student of Texas A & M University, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Architecture. During his time at Texas A & M, Rick was a member of the Texas A & M Corps of Cadets, an illustrator for "The Battalion" newspaper and pursued entrepreneurial endeavors where he showcased his artistic skills. After college Rick formed the architectural firm of Wahlberg & Morales. He married his high school sweetheart, Anna Marie Garza, in 1953. They spent 58 fun filled, glorious, happy years together. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Corpus Christi Church Choir, American Institute of Architects, Houston Golf Association, The Sembradores de Amistad and several other organizations. Rick was the perfect husband, father and "Papa", who awakened each day with a smile and a "glass half full" attitude. He loved people and left those he encountered with the feeling that each person was truly special to him. He infused his five children with the "Joie de Vie". He had unlimited love, and stories, for his family and friends and received unlimited love in return. It is undisputed that he was a gentleman both inside and out. Throughout his life his faith and spirituality were an important part of his journey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard R. Morales and Alicia R. Morales. Survivors; Wife, Anna Marie Morales. Children: Debi and her husband Ray Schneider, Rick Morales, Denise and her husband Mike Renfro, Paul Morales and his wife Dawn, Mimi and her husband Mike Leasor. Grandchildren: J.D. Devine and his wife Jennifer, Shannon and her husband Aaron Cass, Stephen Devine. Klayton Renfro, Clint Renfro, Ford Renfro, Christopher Leasor, Ali Leasor and Austin Morales. Great Grand Children: Trip Devine, Tessa Devine, Aidan Leake and Lexi Leake. Brother; David G. Morales and his wife Mary Louise. Sister; Blanca and her husband Benjamen Varela, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 10:30 am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, TX 77024. Mr. Morales' grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in Houston National Cemetery.