Thomas W. Ernde, 90, of Pensacola, FL passed away Friday, December 30, 2016.

Thomas was born in Hagerstown, MD and relocated to Pensacola, FL following his time serving in the United States Navy during WWII. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, of 60 years, whom he met in Pensacola. He was well known for his baking skills at the Coffee Cup Restaurant in Pensacola, and also for his work for the Escambia County School Board, where he retired as a training officer. Thomas was an employee for and a member of East Hill Baptist Church for many years, where he loved teaching children's Sunday school. After his conversion to the Catholic faith, Thomas was known to evangelize by passing out small crucifixes to anyone he met, asking the question, "Who's your best friend". After he was given a response, he would say "this is my best friend, his name is Jesus", and he would place a cross in the palm of their hand. Thomas became a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where he served as a welcome steward.

He is survived by sister, Geneva Ahalt; daughters, Rev. Joy Hulslander (Allen), Virginia Boyer (Mike), Cheryl Barnes (Buster); sons, Paul Ernde (Maureen) and Matt Ernde (Lana); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 5-7pm Monday, January 2, 2017 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with a Prayer Service to begin at 5:00pm.

Funeral Mass will be held 10:00am Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at St. Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Doug Halsema celebrant. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park with military honors.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contribution may be made to Covenant Care, 5041 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32504, or St. Paul Catholic Church Building Fund, 1700 Conway Dr., Pensacola, FL 32503.