1. Announce the Passing

Begin with the key facts. This section should include the most crucial information in a clear, direct manner.

• Full Name: Use their full legal name.

• Age: State their age at the time of death.

• Date and Place of Death: Include the date and location where they passed away.

• Hometown: Mention the city or town where they lived.

• Optional: Cause of Death: While not required, some families choose to include the cause of death. This is a personal decision that should be made in agreement with the family.

Example: John Henry Smith, 74, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024, at BSA Hospital.

2. Share Their Life Story

This is the most personal part of the obituary, where you can paint a picture of who they were. The goal is to move beyond a simple list of facts and share their unique character.

• Birth Information: Include the date and place of birth, as well as their parents' names.

• Education & Career: Describe their profession and any notable achievements or milestones.

• Interests & Personality: This is where you can truly capture their personality. Instead of simply listing interests, try to use a brief, memorable anecdote or phrase that brings their story to life.

Example: Born in Amarillo, Texas, on May 3, 1950, John graduated from Lamar University with a degree in Business Administration. He spent over 40 years as a respected banker and was known for his dedication to clients and community. John loved fishing, volunteering at the local food bank, and cherishing time with his grandchildren.

3. Capture Their Legacy

To make the tribute more meaningful, consider the lasting impact they had. This section helps the reader feel their presence and understand their influence on others.

• Ask a few key questions to help guide you:

  • What will you miss most about them?

  • What was their biggest accomplishment or passion?

  • What was their favorite saying or inside joke?

  • How did they show love to their family and friends?

4. List Surviving and Deceased Family Members

This section honors the relationships that were most important to them. Start with the most immediate family members and then work outward.

• Surviving Family: List living family members, including spouse, children (and their spouses), grandchildren, parents, and siblings.

• Predeceased Family: Acknowledge loved ones who have passed away before them, such as parents or a spouse.

Example: John was preceded in death by his wife, Mary. He is survived by his children, Sarah Thompson (James) and Michael Smith (Olivia), and his four grandchildren: Emily, Noah, Ava, and Jack.

5. Include Funeral or Memorial Service Information

This is a practical and important detail for those who wish to pay their respects. Be clear and specific about the time, date, and location of all services.

6. Add Charity Information (Optional)

If the family prefers donations to a specific cause in lieu of flowers, include that information here. Provide the name of the charity or organization and clear instructions.

7. Select a Photo

Choose a high-quality, clear photo of your loved one. A recent headshot is common, but you may also select a picture that you feel truly captures their spirit.

8. Final Review

Before you publish, it's always a good idea to carefully proofread the obituary and share it with close family members. Getting feedback ensures all details are accurate and that everyone is in agreement with this final tribute.

Obituary Template

You can use this simple outline to get started. Just copy and paste the text and fill in the brackets with your personal details.

[Full Name], [age], of [Hometown], passed away peacefully on [Date of death].

Born in [Birthplace] on [Birth date], to [Parents' names], [First Name] graduated from [School/University] before embarking on a career in [Profession]. [He/She] was known for [mention a character trait or personal detail].

[He/She] was a proud [mention a hobby or passion], and loved [something they enjoyed doing]. [He/She] will be remembered for [mention a specific legacy or quality, e.g., 'his infectious laugh and unwavering kindness' or 'her ability to make everyone feel at home'].

[Full Name] was preceded in death by [list any deceased family members, e.g., his wife, Mary].

[He/She] is survived by [list surviving family, e.g., his beloved wife, Jane Smith; his children, Michael (Olivia) Smith and Sarah (John) Doe; and his three grandchildren, Emily, Noah, and Liam].

A funeral service will be held at [location of service, e.g., a funeral home or church] on [date of service], at [time].

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [charity name].

Example Obituary

Here is a finished obituary based on the examples and structure provided in this guide.

John Henry Smith, 74, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024.

Born in Amarillo, Texas on May 3, 1950, to David and Mary Smith, John graduated from Lamar University before embarking on a career in banking. He was known for his dedication to clients and community.

He was a proud volunteer at the local food bank, and loved fishing and cherishing time with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering integrity, and love for his family.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Mary.

He is survived by his children, Sarah Thompson (James) and Michael Smith (Olivia), and his four grandchildren: Emily, Noah, Ava, and Jack.

A funeral service will be held at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home on October 25, 2024, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Springfield Food Bank.