Richard Grabert

Richard Joseph Grabert Sr., “Coach Grabert,” 78, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 23rd at his residence surrounded by his lovingly family. He was a native of Donner, La. and a resident of Houma, La. Richard was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and teacher.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Peggy Pellegrin Grabert; children, Regina Grabert Trax (Christopher), Richard Grabert Jr. (Donna), Renee Grabert (Tracey) and Randy Grabert (Tina); six Grandchildren, Sean Trax, Sara Trax, Dylan Trax, Jake Trax, Brady Grabert and Bryana Grabert; brother, Loney Grabert; and Katie Dupre and Megan Troxler.

Richard obtained his masters plus 30 from Nicholls State University many years ago and became a teacher for one year at Gibson Elementary School. He then moved to Evergreen Junior High school in Houma the following year, where he taught for 33 years. He taught History for a few years then moved to his true love of physical education and coaching. He coached the football, track, and softball teams for many years. Richard also taught driver’s education and continued to do so after his retirement from teaching. He loved all of his students very much, and to our amazement remembered a majority of their names years later, if he couldn’t recall the name, he almost always remembered faces, and he loved talking to his former students and telling stories.

He enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, hunting, fishing and trapping. He loved these activities so much that he was always the one to teach hunting and fishing safety at school in order to share his love of these activities with the next generation. He received a lifetime achievement award from Louisiana Wildlife and Fishery Department for his efforts in teaching and promoting safety to the young. His favorite activities were bringing his children, cousins, nephews and grandchildren to the woods for lessons on safety and nature. Even after he retired from teaching, he volunteered, for each one of his grandchildren’s classes, to share information about the hatching of alligator eggs.

After 54 years of marriage, you could still see Richard and Peggy holding hands where ever they went together. They are both a great example of a loving, unconditional relationship. That example will leave a lasting impression on all that knew them.

He was a parishioner of St. Bernadette Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Second Harvest food bank.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Dr. Abben for going above and beyond in his care. We would also like to the thank Notre Dame Hospice for their exceptional care and support.

Richard Grabert