Obituary of Thomas Emerson Gardipee

Thomas, Emerson Gardipee, 57, of Cantonment Florida, passed away on November 27, 2023 after a battle with cancer. Tom was born in Dallas, Texas in October 1966 to parents, Myrtle Thomas and biological father Guy Taylor. At a young age Tom was adopted by James Gardipee and grew up with his family in Cutler Ridge, Florida. 

Tom was in the Navy for a short time and after his discharge from the service moved to the Tampa, Florida area. It was there that he met his wife, Rhonda, and together they relocated to the Pensacola, Florida area to raise their family. 

Tom loved his family- especially the grandchildren, the outdoors and carpentry. Tom was a magnificent carpenter and he worked his way from working as a carpenter to Project Manager of Commercial Construction. Providing for his family was on his heart always. 

Tom didn’t say it to his children lots but he shared with everyone how proud he was of their accomplishments.

Tom was proceeded in death by his mother Myrtl Balkus and biological father Guy Taylor.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of almost 32 years, Rhonda; children: Ashley Rasler (Micheal), Jonathan T. Gardipee (Kameron); grandchildren: Makayla Harris, Sara Rasler, Bryson Rasler, Benjamin Gardipee, Lilah Gardipee, Alexandria Gardipee; siblings: Carrie Munson (Mike), Jonathan D. Gardipee, Angel Balkus and nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The family wishes to extend their sincerest thank you to everyone who was involved in his care from Emerald Coast Hospice and Emerald Coast Palliative Care.

Special thank you to Cheryl Gleason, Mandy Feliciano, and Jason Adams

A celebration of life will be planned in the near future.

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