Name: Visitation for Thomas Allan Dlabal
Start: 2018-12-21T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-12-22T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Emerald Coast Funeral home

Thomas Allan Dlabal, MD age 66, passed away on December 19, 2018 following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born to Dr. Luke and Dorothea Dlabal in Independence, MO. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, medical degree at the University of Missouri, and completed his orthopaedic surgical residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. He also completed fellowships in spine and hand surgery.
He joined Orthopaedic Associates in 1984 where he treated all his patients like family. His concern for the indigent led him to open the first free medical clinic in Okaloosa County and treated many children with cerebral palsy at Silver Sands. He was on the board of trustees at FWBMC, past chief of staff at FWBMC, and team physician for Fort Walton Beach High school. Tom was Captain Billy Bowlegs XLVII and loved being a pirate.
Tom's greatest joy was his 36-year marriage to Kathy Polgar Dlabal along with his two children, Matthew and Elizabeth (JR Johnson). He treasured his grandchildren Arianna (Chris Boltz), James, Anna, Caiden, and Levi. He is survived by his brother Dr. Luke Dlabal, Jr. (Chrystal), his sister Kathy Rucker (Tom), sister-in-law Sally Cawby (Dale), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Dr. Tom enjoyed sailing, snow skiing, water skiing, scuba diving, trivia, and Notre Dame football. He was a brilliant man full of compassion and love who will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be at Emerald Coast Funeral home on Friday, December 21st from 5:00-7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Church on December 22nd at 10:00am. A celebration of life will follow mass at Magnolia Grill. Interment will be in Easton, MD.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, St. Mary Church, or Emerald Coast Hospice. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Northwest Florida Daily News on Dec. 20, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dlabal

Sponsored by Emerald Coast Funeral Home & Reception Center.

12 Entries

January 4, 2019

I am so very sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you in your time of need.

Mary Churillo

December 21, 2018

I worked with Dr. D at FWBMC. He was such a kind man and was always so great to us Nurses. You will be deeply missed and thank you for touching all our lives in such a positive way.

Joseph Nguyen

December 21, 2018

Both my wife and I received a few surgeries from Dr. Dlabal. He was a great surgeon with precision and warm and kind manners. We enjoyed seeing his family at St. Mary's well. We offered prayers with grateful hearts for him and his family in Christ Jesus. From the Nguyen family, Joseph, Claire, and Peter.

Jan Cunningham

December 20, 2018

Dr Tom was my sons dr many yrs ago then I worked at meridian where he stayed i told him we have 2 things in common my son and Notre Dame is where I am from I remember one day I said my daughter fractured her shoulder he said well bring me the X-ray I would love to look at it my prayers go out to his family he will b truly missed

Lynne Smith

December 20, 2018

Kathy, it is with much sadness that I read of the loss of your wonderful husband. You and Tom have been such great neighbors to my mom and shared the love of children and dogs. May you be surrounded by God's gracious mercy and love as you walk through this season of life. -Lynne Smith

Syrita Krummrich

December 20, 2018

My son & I were in a severe car wreck in 1988. Dr. Dlabal was an excellent surgeon and compassionate with my son, during his extensive recovery. Forever grateful to him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Marie Freeman

December 20, 2018

I worked at FWB Medical Center and Emerald Coast Sports and Rehab Center in the 80s. DR. Dlabal was a caring excellent physician who was never too busy to discuss patient concerns I might have. May you be comforted by your memories of the 'good times'. Marie Freeman, Retired Physical Therapist

December 20, 2018

I remember him as a smiling kind excellent physician that I had the privilege of working with in the 80s at FWB Medical Center. Marie Freeman, Physical Therapist.

Sheri Cawby

December 20, 2018

Praying for you Aunt Boo, Beth, and Matt. He was a wonderful Uncle who enjoyed life and having a great time. He fought a courageous battle..and never lost that Uncle Tom sense of humor. We will cherish the memories he gave us. I bet he is up in heaven drinking some pirate rum! We love you all.

The Cawby's
Steven, Sheri, & Blayke

Mary Calvert

December 19, 2018

Dr Dlabal was a great doctor. Very kind and passionate about the work that he did. He took his time and was very good at what he did. Very soft spoken. Praying for the family. May you find comfort from the Lord. He will always be with you. Gone but not forgotten.

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