Thomas Patrick Gagnon

Thomas “Tom” Gagnon, age 68, of Shalimar, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct.14, 2019.

Tom was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to Erna (Peters) Craig. He was married to Penn Phuboonam of Kalasin, Thailand, in a ceremony in Mountain Home, ID, on Oct. 22, 1973. He served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired in 1990 at Tinker AFB, OK. Upon retirement, he lived with his family in Enterprise, AL, and Shalimar, FL.

Tom was a family man—the “glue” that kept his adoring family together. He spent his years supporting that family above all else, even as it continued to grow. When he spoke, his sharp intellect and unique wisdom colored his every word. When he smiled and laughed, he brought out joy from those lucky to be near him. When he prayed, his gentle manner of speaking to his Heavenly Father reminded those listening of what was important in life.

Tom leaves behind a family that loved him dearly: his wife, Penn Gagnon, of Shalimar, FL; his children, James (and Mary) Gagnon of McConnells, SC; Paul Gagnon of Las Vegas, NV; Karen (and Jason) Billington of Brooklyn, NY; and Jennifer Yeager of Shalimar, FL. Tom was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Isaiah, Elijah and Josiah Gagnon; Ava Yeager; Abigail, Aidan, Avery and August “Cash” Billington and Kingston Jordan. He is also survived by his mother, Erna Craig, of Westland, MI. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Jeffrey Gagnon, of Westland, MI.

A time of visitation will take place at Davis Watkins Funeral Home 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547 on Monday, Oct. 21, 2019 from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 at Davis Watkins Funeral Home 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547 with Interment services immediately following at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road, Pensacola, FL, 32508.

While all expressions of sympathy are welcome, the family suggests donations in Tom’s honor to two of his favored organizations: Chosen People Ministries or the USO.