Morales Michael Richard

It is with deep sorrow—and profound hope in Christ—that we announce the passing of Richard M. Morales, lovingly known as “Rich,” a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, coach and faithful follower of Jesus. Richard was a cherished member of Crossroads Christian Fellowship and the Cortez community whose life reflected compassion, service, and steadfast faith.

A Celebration of Life honoring Richard will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Cortez, Colorado. This service is open to all who wish to come together to remember, honor, and give thanks for Richard’s life. A private graveside service will follow for immediate family and close friends. Afterwards, all are warmly invited to a reception dinner at the Lighthouse Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, where fellowship and shared memories will continue.

Service & Reception Location: Lighthouse Baptist Church 11502 CO-145 Cortez, CO 81321

Richard was born on September 24, 1985, in San Bernardino, California, the beloved son of Sarah Paniagua and Richard C. Morales. He went home to be with the Lord on December 22, 2025, following a tragic accident in which he was struck by a drunk driver on Highway 491 in Shiprock, New Mexico. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Rich lived a life marked by selfless service and unwavering love. He served our community as a Registered Nurse at Northern Navajo Medical Center, where his calm presence, kindness, and competence brought comfort and hope to countless patients and families. Nursing was not just a profession for Richard—it was a calling, one he fulfilled with humility, excellence, and genuine care.

Beyond his work in healthcare, Richard poured his heart into the lives of young people. He served as President and Coach of the Cortez Youth Football Program and coached every level of youth baseball, shaping not only athletes but young men and women of character. To Richard, coaching was about more than wins and losses—it was about teaching discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and integrity. He believed deeply in investing in the next generation and did so with patience, encouragement, and joy.

Above all else, Richard’s greatest treasures were his family and his faith. He was a devoted husband to his wife Erin and a proud, loving father to his five sons, Adrian, Orion, Isaac, Uriah, and Ezra. His boys were his greatest joy, and he modeled for them what it means to love sacrificially, to lead with kindness, and to walk boldly with Jesus. Richard’s faith was not quiet or reserved—it was evident in his words, his actions, and the way he loved others without condition.

Richard is survived by his wife Erin; his sons Adrian, Orion, Isaac, Uriah, and Ezra; his mother Sarah Paniagua; his siblings Mario Paniagua, Joe Paniagua, Elaina Morales, and his youngest brother Marcos Morales; along with many extended family members, teammates, players, coworkers, and dear friends who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard C. Morales.

Though our hearts ache with loss, we grieve with hope—knowing that Richard’s life mattered, his love endures, and his legacy will continue through the many lives he touched. His faith in Christ assures us that this is not goodbye, but until we meet again.

All who knew and loved Richard—or who were impacted by his life—are warmly invited to attend the Celebration of Life and reception. Your presence will be a comfort and a testimony to the extraordinary life of a truly remarkable man.