Here are the steps to write an excellent obituary, along with what to include and some great tips as well.

You’ve been asked to write the obituary or help contribute. Don’t list anything that is too private.Anything that may encourage identity theft.Any negative feelings you may have towards the decedent.Cause of death (this is a personal decision, left up to the family).Ex-spouse(s), though there may be exceptions to this: if they are still “friends & co-parents,” etc.Related: How to Set Up & Accept Funeral Donations (for Free) What should you not include in an obituary? Middle names and suffixes (Jr., III, etc).Any nicknames your loved one is known by.The full name of the deceased, including:.Whether you want to keep it short or make it all-inclusive, we’ve got some great tips and obituary samples for you below. Please read on and get some great information on writing the perfect obituary. Many people do genealogy by going over obituaries and researching their family history, so it will be read often throughout the years.Īs you write, you will be summing up your loved one’s life in a couple of hundred words or less and including important information along the way. It will certainly be read, both at the time of publication and long afterwards. You should put a lot of thought and care into writing an obituary. Provides the funeral and memorial information.Tells the story of your loved one’s life.Specifically, an obituary does three things: It should be told with love, kindness, and even humor. I’ve seen all types of obituaries, and can give you helpful guidance on writing an obituary, what to include, and how to hit the right tone.Īn obituary is a person’s life story, in brief, designed for publication. I’m both a professional writer and a funeral director. Here are some obituary examples and tips on what to write as you try to sum up your loved one’s beautiful life in words.

Sample obituaries for father