Richard R. Morales

Richard R. Morales July 12, 1948 - July 18, 2012 Richard R. Morales, 64, of Waco, passed away peacefully at a local hospital and entered the gates of Heaven and into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, July 18, 2012. A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 21, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with the Rev. Joe Carbajal officiating. Richard was born July 12, 1948, in Eden, Texas, to Raymond and Maria Morales. His family later moved, and he graduated from Waco High School, 1969. He then served in the Army during the Vietnam era, and was stationed in Seoul, Korea, being honorably discharged in February 1971. On September 18, 1971, he married Margaret Guerra, the mother of his three children, Melanie, Molly, and Marcos, the greatest loves of his life. He worked for the City of Waco as a housing inspector from 1974-1984. He later opened Oso Burrito with his partner and brother-in-law, Joe Flores, and his wife, Margaret, and his mother, Ama. Oso Burrito became a popular eatery for many Baylor students, with whom he quickly made friends. His children worked as waiters and dishwashers or in any capacity as needed. Later, he expanded and opened another location on Lake Air Drive with his nephew, Jimmy Avera. Richard was an avid golfer and was a member of the Pan American Golf Association for many years, traveling to golf meets throughout Texas. He never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Lillie Becerra and Gloria Morales, both of whom he adored and missed dearly all his life. He is survived by two daughters, Melanie Morales and husband, Jaime Lerma, Sr., and Molly Sosa and husband, Larry, all of Waco; son, Marcos Morales of Waco; and stepson, Colt McKee of Florida; grandchildren, Mercedes, Ricky and Eric Guerra, Damian, Tristan, Jonathon and Julianna Morales, and Andrew Aguilar. Also surviving are his sisters, Celia Compian, and Ninfa Garcia and husband, Edward; and brothers, Raymond Morales and wife, Kathy, Robert Morales and wife, Stella, Rudy Morales and wife, Esther, Roy Morales and wife, Connie, and Ruben Morales; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank his caregivers, Kerry, Ruben, Edward and the staff of Providence Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Memorials may be made to Providence Hospice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey