What We Do
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Who We Are
Our staff of professionals has years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. Each comes to us because we are leaders in our profession, with dedication to service and professional integrity.
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When we sit down with a family, our shared goal is to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer them a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
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Our History
Our firm traces its roots back, deep into the 20th century, when our first facility was dedicated. Many years later, this location has seen renovations and changes, but has always been and will continue to be an integral part of this community.
Over the years, the original mission of the firm hasn't changed. We have always intended to provide the best, most professional services, complemented by the finest products. Today, we pride ourselves on being current with the major changes in funeral service trends - and bring those innovations and memorialization options to our client families with integrity and insight.
Our Valued Staff
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Pamela E. Reynolds, Managing Partner - Funeral DirectorPam is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Virginia and Florida. She served at Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Panama City before coming to Emerald Coast Funeral Home. Pam graduated from John Tyler Mortuary Program in Virginia. She is a former owner of a funeral home and former school teacher. "I am dedicated to seeing that all of our families are served with dignity and compassion." Pam attends Destin Worship Center, is on the board of Rotary and active in civic events.
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Debra Gerdts, Location Manager - Funeral DirectorDebra received her education from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of science degree in Mortuary Science and has been a licensed mortician for over 20 years. She also was a Certified Eye Enucleator for the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank. In 2006, relocated to Fort Walton Beach, Florida and obtained her Funeral Director/Embalmers license for the state of Florida. Debra has been part of the Emerald Coast Funeral Home and McLaughlin Mortuary families prior to her position at Twin Cities Cremation Services and Funeral Home. In 2005, she was a volunteer for Hurricane Katrina with the National Funeral Directors Association. She is active in civic and community affairs.
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Rick Clark, Funeral DirectorLicensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since 1974. Part of the Emerald Coast family since 2007. Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in Florida and licensed in Missouri since 1974. Served a 4 year term as Pemiscot County Coroner in Missouri, along with being active in community and civic affairs.
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Doug Crowe, Funeral DirectorLicensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since 1998. Part of the Emerald Coast family since 2008. Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in both Florida and Georgia. Member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Georgia Funeral Directors Association, and the National Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team. Former winner of the Richard B. Stewart Scholarship for embalmers presented by the Georgia Embalming Academy.
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Kevin Watts, Location Manager - Funeral DirectorLicensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since 1990. Part of the Emerald Coast family since 2006. Experienced funeral director, embalmer and restorative artist in Boston and Cape Cod, MA since 1988 and Fort Walton Beach, FL since 2006. Extensive experience in International Shipping of remains. Prior active duty 4 years U. S. Coast Guard as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer & USCG Special Ceremonial Detail. 1991 graduate of Mount Ida College, Newton, MA. Part of the private forensic investigation team that re-opened the "Boston Strangler Case", 2000 & 2001. 13 year Member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
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W. M. 'Skip' Borders, Funeral AssistantSkip is an embalmer apprentice. He is very talented in what he does. He comes to us after a long career as an airline pilot.
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Joan Young, Aftercare Specialist8 years experience as a Pre-Need Counselor. Founder of the Okaloosa County Chapter of Compassionate Friends, a group dedicated to assisting families following the death of a child. Part of the Emerald Coast family since 2000.
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Darlene Day, Advanced Planning Counselor8 years experience as a Pre-Need Counselor. Part of the Emerald Coast family for 7 years.
