Chris John Morel

Chris left behind a loving, devoted wife of 43 years, Christina Floyd Morel of River Ridge, LA, and 2 loving sons Sam Alexander Morel, age 33, and Ian Christopher Morel, age 30 (wife Caroline McQuaig Morel), both of Metairie, LA.

Preceded in death by both loving parents, Anna Breaux Morel and Leroy John Morel,Sr., both natives of New Iberia, LA, his maternal grandparents, Rose Trahan Breaux and George “Pop” Breaux, and his paternal grandparents, Elise Langla Morel and John Morel, all of New Iberia, LA. And preceded in death are two brothers, Patrick John Morel who died at birth, and Leroy John Morel, Jr. (Clare) of Metairie, LA. Chris leaves behind two sisters, Elise Rose Morel Gutierrez (Larry) of LaPlace, LA, and Tammy Sue Marie Morel Sontag (Dougie) of Violet, LA, and brother Gayle John Morel (Sandra) of Metairie, LA, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Chris worked at Pancho’s in Metairie with one of Christina’s older sisters who would ask him to make her little sister some tacos. Chris said he thought the little sister was 6 yrs old or so. A few months later when Christina started working there,too, she told him “You must be the Chris who’s been making my tacos! Thank you!” Chris later admitted it was love at first sight for him. After they were married a few years later, she revealed she,too fell in love at first sight.

Chris and his new bride both attended Southeastern Louisiana University from 1982 until his graduation in 1994. Chris had an Associates Degree in Horticulture from Delgado Community College. At Southeastern he switched from a Fine Arts curriculum to earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Plant Science from Southeastern. Chris started out working various related jobs in his field as a Horticulturist/Landscaper for some years, then landed a job at Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans. Longue Vue he would repeat over the years was his favorite job, but he needed to earn more for his growing family, so he got hired at University of New Orleans’s Plant Services managing the Grounds Crew for 10 years. Then worked at LSU Ag Center’s Entomology Division for 10 years, and his last job was a Project Manager at NASA’s Michoud facility before having to take an early medical retirement.

Chris’ love for his sons was so great, and he was extremely proud to see them both graduate from Jesuit High School, as well as watched Sam graduate Loyola University, and pushed through medical symptoms to fly to NYC when Ian graduated with a double major from Marymount Manhattan College. Also, we were all grateful he got to witness Ian and Caroline getting married before his health took a turn for the worse.

Chris was loved by his wife and family and will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace in Heaven.