Obituary Template: 10 Free Templates and Examples for Every Situation

An obituary template provides a structured format to help you write a meaningful tribute without starting from a blank page. Whether you are writing for a parent, a veteran, a child, or a grandparent, having a clear framework removes the guesswork so you can focus on what matters most — honoring the person you have lost.

Below you will find ten free obituary templates, each designed for a different situation. Every template includes two parts: a fill-in-the-blank format you can complete in minutes, and a fully written example showing what the finished obituary looks like. You can copy and adapt any of these directly.

If you are looking for guidance on how to structure an obituary from scratch, our obituary format guide walks through the standard structure newspapers and funeral homes expect.

What to Include in an Obituary

Before choosing a template, it helps to understand the five essential parts that every obituary should contain. These elements give readers the information they need while honoring the person's life in a complete and respectful way.

1. Full name and dates. Start with the person's full legal name, including any maiden names or widely known nicknames. Include the date and place of birth and the date and place of death. The opening line typically reads: "[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date]."

2. Biographical information. This is the heart of the obituary. Include details about their education, career, hobbies, achievements, and the qualities that defined them. This is where the person comes alive on the page — the section that makes readers feel they knew them.

3. Survivors and predeceased. List immediate family members who survive the deceased, typically starting with the spouse, then children, grandchildren, siblings, and parents if living. Also mention those who preceded them in death.

4. Service details. Include the date, time, and location of the funeral, memorial service, visitation, or celebration of life. If the service is private, note that as well. Include burial or cremation details if the family wishes to share them.

5. Special message or charitable request. Many obituaries close with a request for donations to a meaningful charity in lieu of flowers, a favorite quote, or a brief message from the family. This final element gives the obituary a personal and intentional ending.

For a deeper look at how real obituaries handle each of these elements, see our collection of 30 obituary examples written by real families.

1. Traditional Obituary Template

The traditional obituary follows the format most newspapers and funeral homes expect. It covers the essential facts in a structured, respectful order and works for any adult who lived a full life.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], passed away [peacefully/unexpectedly/surrounded by family] on [Date of Death] at [Location of Death].

Born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State] to [Parent Names], [First Name] [grew up in/was raised in] [City/Region]. [He/She/They] attended [School/University] and [earned a degree in/studied] [Field]. [First Name] went on to [career highlights — position, company, years of service, notable achievements].

[First Name] was known for [2–3 defining qualities or passions]. [He/She/They] loved [hobbies, interests, or activities] and could often be found [specific detail about how they spent their time]. Above all, [First Name] cherished [time with family/faith/community involvement].

[First Name] is survived by [his/her/their] [spouse, Name]; [children, Names]; [grandchildren, Names]; and [siblings, Names]. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [Names and relationships].

A [funeral service/memorial service/celebration of life] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location, Address]. [Visitation/viewing] will take place on [Date] from [Time] to [Time] at [Location]. [Burial will follow at Cemetery Name / Cremation has been entrusted to Funeral Home Name].

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to [Charity Name, Address or Website].

Written Example

Robert James Mitchell, 78, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, at Providence Portland Medical Center, surrounded by his wife and children.

Born on June 14, 1947, in Boise, Idaho, to William and Dorothy Mitchell, Robert grew up on the family farm before attending Oregon State University, where he earned a degree in civil engineering. He spent 35 years with the Oregon Department of Transportation, retiring as a senior project manager in 2009. His colleagues remember him as the person who stayed late not because he had to, but because he genuinely cared about getting things right.

Robert was known for his quiet generosity, his terrible puns, and his ability to fix anything with duct tape and determination. He loved fly fishing on the Deschutes River, woodworking in his garage, and cheering for the Beavers on Saturday afternoons. Above all, Robert cherished Sunday dinners with his family — a tradition he started when his children were small and maintained for over forty years.

Robert is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda Mitchell; his children, Sarah Mitchell-Park (David) and James Mitchell (Karen); his four grandchildren, Emma, Lucas, Lily, and Owen; and his sister, Patricia Hawkins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Mitchell.

A memorial service will be held on March 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 SW Alder Street, Portland. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oregon Food Bank or Trout Unlimited.

2. Short Obituary Template

Newspapers often charge per line, making a shorter obituary a practical choice. This template covers the essentials in 100 to 150 words without sacrificing warmth or meaning. It is also a good fit for death notices posted online alongside a longer memorial page.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date]. [He/She/They] was born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State] to [Parent Names].

[First Name] [brief career or life summary — 1–2 sentences]. [He/She/They] is remembered for [1–2 defining qualities].

[First Name] is survived by [key survivors]. A [service type] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Charity].

Written Example

Margaret Ann Cooper, 84, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on February 18, 2026. She was born on September 5, 1941, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Henry and Ruth Dawson.

Margaret taught second grade at Hodge Elementary for 30 years before retiring in 2001. She was known for her infectious laugh, her legendary pecan pie, and the handwritten birthday cards she sent to every former student she could track down.

She is survived by her son, David Cooper; her daughter, Ellen Brooks; and five grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on February 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Savannah Literacy Council.

3. Obituary Template for a Mother

Writing an obituary for your mother is one of the hardest things you will ever do. This template emphasizes the roles she played — mother, grandmother, friend, mentor — and the warmth she brought to the lives around her. Adjust the tone to match who she was: formal if she would have wanted that, warm and conversational if that feels more true.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[Full Name], [age], beloved [mother/grandmother/wife/sister], of [City, State], passed away [peacefully/surrounded by her loving family] on [Date].

Born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State] to [Parent Names], [First Name] [grew up in/attended school at] [details]. She married [Spouse Name] on [Date] in [Location], and together they built a life centered on [family/faith/community/specific shared passion].

[First Name] was a devoted mother to [Children's Names]. She [specific examples of her mothering — what she did, how she made the home feel, traditions she created]. Her [grandchildren/great-grandchildren] knew her as [Grandmother Name], the woman who [specific grandmother detail].

Beyond her family, [First Name] [career, volunteer work, community roles]. She was known for [defining qualities] and will be remembered for [lasting impact].

[First Name] is survived by [survivors]. She was preceded in death by [predeceased]. A [service type] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, [charitable request].

Written Example

Catherine Marie Sullivan, 71, beloved mother and grandmother, of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Born on April 22, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, to Francis and Mary O'Brien, Catherine grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family where the kitchen table was always full and the front door was never locked. She married Patrick Sullivan on August 10, 1975, at St. Michael's Church, and together they raised four children in the home they built on Maple Street — the same home where every holiday, birthday, and Tuesday night dinner happened for the next forty years.

Catherine was a devoted mother to Sean, Bridget, Colleen, and Patrick Jr. She was the one who drove carpool at 6 a.m. without complaint, who stayed up sewing Halloween costumes the night before, and who always had a pot of soup on the stove for whoever walked through the door. Her seven grandchildren knew her as Nana, the woman who hid candy in her purse, read the same bedtime story seventeen times without skipping a page, and believed that every problem could be solved with a cup of tea and a long conversation.

Catherine worked as a school nurse at Jefferson Elementary for 22 years. She volunteered at the parish food pantry every Saturday morning and served on the board of the Denver Women's Shelter. She was known for her warmth, her stubbornness, and her refusal to let anyone she loved go through anything alone.

Catherine is survived by her husband, Patrick; her children, Sean Sullivan (Maria), Bridget Walsh (Tom), Colleen Sullivan, and Patrick Sullivan Jr. (Amy); her seven grandchildren; and her sisters, Eileen Byrne and Maureen O'Brien. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Francis O'Brien Jr.

A funeral Mass will be held on January 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Church, 1400 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something Catherine would have done — bring a meal to someone who needs it.

For more ways to honor a mother's memory, see our collection of eulogy examples for a mother.

4. Obituary Template for a Father

A father's obituary should capture not just the facts of his life but the way he made people feel — the steadiness, the quiet sacrifices, the lessons he taught without realizing he was teaching. This template provides a framework that honors those qualities.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[Full Name], [age], devoted [father/grandfather/husband], of [City, State], passed away on [Date] at [Location].

Born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State] to [Parent Names], [First Name] [upbringing details]. He married [Spouse Name] on [Date], and together they [brief description of their shared life].

[First Name] worked as a [occupation] for [years/employer], where he [career highlight]. Outside of work, he was passionate about [hobbies/interests]. His family knew him as the man who [specific fatherly detail — something he always did, said, or believed in].

[First Name] is survived by [survivors]. He was preceded in death by [predeceased]. A [service type] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, [charitable request].

Written Example

William Edward Torres, 66, devoted father and grandfather, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on February 2, 2026, at Methodist Hospital after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on November 19, 1959, in Laredo, Texas, to Eduardo and Rosa Torres, William was the eldest of five siblings and took that role seriously his entire life. He married Maria Elena Garza on December 20, 1982, and together they raised three children in the house on Rosewood Lane that William built with his own hands over two summers.

William worked as a master electrician for Bexar County for 28 years. He was the person people called when the problem seemed unsolvable — not because he always had the answer, but because he never stopped trying until he found it. Outside of work, he coached Little League for fifteen consecutive seasons, built furniture in his workshop, and maintained the best front lawn on the block — a source of pride he would deny if you mentioned it.

His family knew him as the man who woke up first to make breakfast, who drove six hours to attend every single one of his grandchildren's school plays, and who ended every phone call with the same three words: "I love you."

William is survived by his wife, Maria Elena; his children, Daniel Torres (Jessica), Christina Morales (Alex), and Michael Torres; his six grandchildren; and his siblings, Rosa, Eduardo Jr., Carmen, and Luis. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held on February 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at San Fernando Cathedral. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

5. Obituary Template for a Veteran

A veteran's obituary should honor their military service alongside the life they lived after returning home. This template includes sections for branch of service, rank, deployments, and military honors, while still leaving room for the personal details that made them who they were beyond the uniform.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[Full Name], [age], [rank, branch of service, retired], of [City, State], passed away on [Date].

Born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State] to [Parent Names], [First Name] enlisted in the [Branch of Service] in [Year]. [He/She/They] served [number] years on active duty, including deployments to [locations/conflicts]. [He/She/They] achieved the rank of [Final Rank] and was awarded [medals, commendations — e.g., Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal]. [He/She/They] was honorably discharged in [Year].

After [his/her/their] military service, [First Name] [post-military career or life — education, civilian career, community involvement]. [He/She/They] married [Spouse Name] on [Date] and together they [family life summary].

[First Name] was known for [defining qualities]. [He/She/They] was a proud veteran who [how they honored their service — VFW involvement, mentored young service members, attended reunions].

[First Name] is survived by [survivors]. A [service type] with [military honors] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. [Burial at national cemetery / Interment details]. In lieu of flowers, [charitable request — e.g., Wounded Warrior Project, local VFW post].

Written Example

Master Sergeant Harold Dean Whitfield, U.S. Army, Retired, 82, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away on March 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born on February 3, 1944, in rural Alabama to James and Evelyn Whitfield, Harold enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 at the age of nineteen. He served 24 years on active duty, including two tours in Vietnam and a deployment to Germany during the Cold War. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars. He was honorably discharged in 1987.

After his military service, Harold earned an associate degree in business administration from Fayetteville Technical Community College and worked as a logistics manager at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) for fifteen years. He married Dorothy Jean Patterson on June 12, 1968, and together they raised two sons while moving between duty stations across the country — a life Dorothy once described as "an adventure I would choose again every time."

Harold was a proud and active member of VFW Post 6018 and served as its commander from 2004 to 2008. He mentored young soldiers transitioning to civilian life and never missed a Veterans Day ceremony. He was known for his discipline, his dry sense of humor, and his belief that service to country did not end when the uniform came off.

Harold is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sons, Harold Jr. (Diane) and Michael Whitfield (Rebecca); his five grandchildren; and his sister, Mae Louise Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Whitfield Jr.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held on March 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Fayetteville First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.

6. Obituary Template for a Child or Young Person

Writing an obituary for a child is among the most painful tasks any parent will face. There is no right way to do it. This template provides a gentle framework that focuses on the love the child was given, the joy they brought, and the people who will carry their memory forward. Adjust the language to fit the child's age — an infant's obituary will look different from a teenager's, but both deserve the same care and intentionality.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date]. [He/She/They] was born on [Date of Birth] to [Parent Names] and was [a light/a joy/deeply loved from the moment they arrived].

[First Name] [loved/enjoyed — age-appropriate details: for an infant, describe what they meant to the family; for an older child, describe interests, personality, friendships, school, hobbies]. [He/She/They] had a way of [specific quality — making people laugh, brightening a room, finding wonder in small things].

[First Name] is survived by [parents, siblings, grandparents]. [He/She/They] will be deeply missed by [extended family, friends, classmates, teachers].

A [service type] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests [donations to a children's charity/hospital/memorial fund].

Written Example

Lily Grace Nakamura, 7, of Seattle, Washington, passed away on January 28, 2026, after a brave two-year battle with leukemia. She was born on October 3, 2018, to David and Suki Nakamura, and from the moment she arrived she was the brightest thing in every room she entered.

Lily loved butterflies, rainbow sprinkles, her golden retriever Max, and telling elaborate stories to anyone who would listen — and many who were just passing by. She was a second grader at Maple Leaf Elementary, where her teacher, Mrs. Rowan, described her as "the student who made everyone else feel included." She had a way of finding the kid sitting alone at lunch and sitting down next to them without being asked.

Even during her illness, Lily insisted on making cards for the other children on her hospital floor. She named every IV pole she was given and once convinced an entire nursing station to wear butterfly stickers on their badges for a week.

Lily is survived by her parents, David and Suki; her brother, Kenji; her grandparents, Robert and Helen Nakamura and Toshi and Yuki Hayashi; and her dog, Max. She will be deeply missed by her classmates, her medical team at Seattle Children's Hospital, and everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

A celebration of life will be held on February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Green Lake Community Center. The family asks that attendees wear bright colors — Lily would have wanted it that way. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seattle Children's Hospital Leukemia Research Fund.

7. Celebration of Life Obituary Template

A celebration of life obituary takes a warmer, more personal tone than a traditional notice. The focus shifts from loss to legacy — from grief to gratitude. This template works well for families who are holding a celebration of life event rather than a traditional funeral and want the obituary to match that spirit.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

The family of [Full Name] invites you to join them in celebrating a life beautifully lived. [First Name], [age], of [City, State], passed away on [Date].

[First Name] was born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State] and spent [his/her/their] life [living summary — broad brushstrokes of career, family, passions]. [He/She/They] believed that [core belief or life philosophy], and [he/she/they] lived that belief every day.

If you knew [First Name], you knew [signature trait — laugh, generosity, storytelling, cooking, sense of adventure]. [He/She/They] was the person who [specific memorable detail]. [His/Her/Their] family, friends, and community are better for having known [him/her/them].

[First Name] is survived by [survivors]. A celebration of life will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. [Dress code / tone — e.g., 'The family asks that you come as you are and bring a story to share.'] In lieu of flowers, [charitable request or personal instruction].

Written Example

The family of Gloria Jean Henderson invites you to join them in celebrating a life beautifully lived. Gloria, 88, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on February 14, 2026.

Gloria was born on May 30, 1937, in Nashville, Tennessee, and spent her life proving that kindness is not a weakness — it is a strategy. She taught high school English for 32 years, raised three children largely on her own after her husband's passing in 1989, and still found time to tend a garden that neighbors would detour to walk past.

If you knew Gloria, you knew her laugh — it started somewhere near her shoes and worked its way up until the whole room was laughing with her, often without knowing why. She was the person who remembered every birthday, who mailed newspaper clippings to friends with handwritten notes in the margins, and who never once let someone leave her house without a full stomach and a container of leftovers.

Gloria is survived by her children, Richard Henderson (Paula), Barbara Simmons (Gene), and Diane Henderson; her eight grandchildren; her eleven great-grandchildren; and more friends than one lifetime should reasonably hold.

A celebration of life will be held on February 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Henderson family home. The family asks that you bring a story, a memory, or a dish Gloria would have liked. Formal attire is not required — Gloria would have said it gets in the way. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Asheville Public Library.

For more ideas on planning this type of event, see our guide to 50 celebration of life ideas.

8. Religious Obituary Template

For families of faith, an obituary is an opportunity to honor both the person's life and the beliefs that sustained them. This template follows a Christian framework — the most commonly requested — but can be adapted for other faith traditions by adjusting the language and references. The key is to let the person's faith speak naturally through the facts of their life rather than layering it on top.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], entered eternal rest on [Date], surrounded by [his/her/their] loving family. [He/She/They] is now in the arms of [his/her/their] Lord and Savior.

Born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State] to [Parent Names], [First Name] was a lifelong member of [Church/Parish Name]. [His/Her/Their] faith was the foundation of everything [he/she/they] did — from [specific examples of faith in action: service, ministry, daily prayer, raising children in the church].

[First Name] married [Spouse Name] on [Date] at [Church Name]. Together they [life summary, family]. [He/She/They] worked as [occupation] and was active in [church ministries, community organizations].

[First Name] is survived by [survivors]. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [predeceased], who [he/she/they] has now joyfully joined.

A [funeral Mass/homegoing service/memorial service] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Church Name, Address]. [Burial/interment details]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to [church or faith-based charity].

[Optional closing scripture or hymn reference]

Written Example

Deacon Samuel Arthur Washington, 79, of Birmingham, Alabama, entered eternal rest on March 5, 2026, surrounded by his family and upheld by the prayers of his church. He is now home with the Lord he served faithfully for more than sixty years.

Born on January 12, 1947, in Selma, Alabama, to Reverend Moses and Sister Ruth Washington, Samuel grew up in the church — literally. His father pastored New Hope Baptist for forty years, and Samuel was baptized, married, ordained as a deacon, and celebrated every milestone of his life within those walls.

Samuel married Ernestine Marie Coleman on September 15, 1970, at New Hope Baptist Church. Together they raised four children and fifty years of Sunday dinners. Samuel worked as a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service for 33 years and served as head deacon at New Hope for over two decades. He led the men's Bible study every Wednesday morning, organized the church's annual community Thanksgiving dinner, and drove the church van on Sunday mornings to pick up anyone who needed a ride — a route he had memorized by heart.

Samuel is survived by his wife, Ernestine; his children, Marcus Washington (Denise), Angela Washington-Brooks (Raymond), David Washington, and Ruth Washington-Harris (James); his ten grandchildren; his sister, Miriam Johnson; and his church family at New Hope Baptist. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Moses Washington Jr., whom he has now joyfully joined.

A homegoing celebration will be held on March 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, 820 Center Street, Birmingham. Visitation will take place on March 9 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the New Hope Baptist Church Building Fund.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

9. Obituary Template for a Grandparent

Grandparents occupy a unique space in a family — they are the keepers of history, the source of unconditional love, and often the steadiest presence in a child's life. This template honors that role while still telling the story of a full and complete life beyond grandparenthood.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[Full Name], [age], beloved [grandmother/grandfather] of [number] grandchildren, of [City, State], passed away [peacefully] on [Date].

Born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State], [First Name] [life summary — upbringing, education, career]. [He/She/They] married [Spouse Name] on [Date] and together they raised [number] children.

To [his/her/their] grandchildren, [First Name] was [Grandparent Name] — the one who [specific grandparent detail: taught them to fish, always had candy in the drawer, told stories about the old country, drove them to school every morning]. [He/She/They] attended every [recital/game/graduation] and believed that being a grandparent was the finest role [he/she/they] ever held.

[First Name] is survived by [survivors — children and grandchildren]. [Service and memorial details]. In lieu of flowers, [charitable request].

Written Example

Josephine Rose Bianchi, 91, beloved Nonna to twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, of Providence, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at her daughter's home.

Born on March 18, 1934, in Narragansett, Rhode Island, to Antonio and Maria Caruso, Josephine grew up in a house where three languages were spoken and the tomato sauce never stopped simmering. She married Frank Bianchi on June 6, 1953, and together they raised five children in the Federal Hill neighborhood where she lived for more than seventy years.

Josephine worked as a seamstress at Imperial Knife Company for twenty years before dedicating herself full-time to her grandchildren. To them, she was Nonna — the one who made fresh pasta on Saturdays, who slipped five-dollar bills into birthday cards with a wink, who remembered every preference ("Michael doesn't like mushrooms, Angela takes extra cheese"), and who once drove through a snowstorm to deliver Christmas cookies because "the children are expecting them."

She attended every communion, confirmation, graduation, and wedding. She believed that family was not something you were born into but something you built with your hands, your kitchen, and your time.

Josephine is survived by her children, Frank Jr. (Rose), Maria DeLuca (Anthony), Angela Russo (Paul), Vincent Bianchi (Nancy), and Teresa Bianchi-O'Connor (Sean); her twelve grandchildren; her nine great-grandchildren; and her sister, Clara Moretti. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and her parents.

A funeral Mass will be held on March 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Church, 472 Atwells Avenue, Providence. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a large pot of sauce and share it with someone you love.

10. Modern/Non-Traditional Obituary Template

Not everyone fits a traditional format. Some people deserve an obituary that sounds like them — informal, funny, honest, or unconventional. This template breaks from the standard structure and encourages a more personality-driven approach. It works best when written by someone who knew the person well and is willing to let their voice come through.

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

[First Name] [Last Name] [died/left us/departed on his/her own terms] on [Date], at the age of [age], in [City, State]. [Opening line that sounds like something they would have said or that captures their personality].

[First Name] was born on [Date of Birth] in [City, State] and spent [his/her/their] life [unconventional life summary — told in their voice or the voice of someone who loved them]. [He/She/They] [never/always] [something characteristic — never met a stranger, always ordered dessert first, refused to read instruction manuals].

[First Name] [career and life told with personality]. When [he/she/they] wasn't [hobby/passion], [he/she/they] could be found [another detail]. [He/She/They] believed in [core values, told informally].

[First Name] leaves behind [survivors, described warmly rather than formally]. [He/She/They] also leaves behind [humorous or touching detail — a garage full of half-finished projects, a dog who still waits by the door, a record collection nobody else understands].

[Service details, if any — keep the tone consistent]. [Closing line: a quote they loved, an instruction to the reader, a final joke].

Written Example

Jack "Hondo" Callahan died on February 8, 2026, at the age of 63, in Austin, Texas. He would want you to know that he did not go gently.

Jack was born on July 4, 1962 — a fact he considered cosmically significant — in Lubbock, Texas, to Don and Peggy Callahan. He grew up playing drums in his parents' garage, got kicked out of two colleges ("for creative differences"), and eventually found his way into a 30-year career as a sound engineer at Austin City Limits. He worked with hundreds of musicians and claimed that the secret to great sound was "knowing when to leave it alone."

Jack never met a stranger, never turned down a plate of barbecue, and never once admitted that his chili recipe was his mother's. He believed that life was too short for bad coffee, boring stories, and acoustic covers of songs that didn't need to be covered. He rode a 1978 Triumph Bonneville that broke down more often than it ran, and he loved it more than he loved most human beings. He would not apologize for that.

Jack leaves behind his wife, Linda, who put up with him for 28 years and says she would do it again; his sons, Jake and Max, who inherited his stubbornness but thankfully not his hairline; his mother, Peggy, who always knew he would turn out fine; his dog, Willie; and approximately 4,000 vinyl records that somebody now has to deal with.

A celebration of Jack's life will be held on February 15, 2026, at the Continental Club, 1315 South Congress Avenue, Austin, starting at 7:00 p.m. Bring a story, wear something loud, and do not bring flowers — Jack would have hated that. Donations in his memory can be made to Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).

Common Obituary Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a template, there are pitfalls that can weaken an obituary or create confusion. Here are the most common mistakes and how to correct them.

1. Using only generic praise. Saying someone was "kind, loving, and generous" tells the reader nothing specific. Instead of listing adjectives, show the quality through a concrete detail: "She drove forty minutes every Sunday to bring groceries to her elderly neighbor" says more about generosity than the word itself ever could.

2. Forgetting the maiden name. If the deceased was known by a maiden name, a married name, or a nickname, include all versions. This helps old friends, former classmates, and distant relatives recognize the person and find the obituary.

3. Listing survivors inconsistently. Pick a format and stick with it. If you include spouses' names for some children, include them for all. If you list grandchildren by name, do so completely. Inconsistency can cause hurt feelings in families that are already under stress.

4. Omitting service details or being vague about them. "A service will be held at the church" does not give people enough information to attend. Include the full name and street address of the venue, the exact date and time, and whether the service is open to the public or private. People want to show up — make it easy for them.

5. Writing in a tone that does not match the person. A formal, stilted obituary for someone who was funny and irreverent does a disservice to their memory. Likewise, an overly casual obituary for someone who valued tradition can feel disrespectful to the family. Match the tone to the person, not to a template — the template is a starting point, not a cage.

6. Including cause of death when the family prefers privacy. Whether to include the cause of death is entirely the family's decision. It is never required. If the family chooses not to include it, phrases like "passed away peacefully" or "passed away after a long illness" are appropriate. Never speculate or include details the family has not approved.

7. Not proofreading names, dates, and locations. Misspelling a name in an obituary is the kind of error that causes real pain. Triple-check every name, date, and address with at least one other family member before publishing. Pay special attention to married names, hyphenated names, and the names of grandchildren.

8. Forgetting to include where to send donations. If the family requests donations in lieu of flowers, include the full name of the charity and a website or mailing address. A vague reference ("donations to cancer research") makes it harder for people to follow through on a genuine desire to help. For more guidance on writing an obituary that avoids these pitfalls, see our guide on writing a beautiful obituary.

Where to Publish an Obituary

Once you have written the obituary, you need to decide where to publish it. Most families today use multiple channels to reach different audiences.

Newspaper. The traditional option. Local newspapers charge per line or per word, so costs vary widely — from $50 to over $500 depending on length and the publication. National papers like the New York Times can cost several thousand dollars. Newspapers are still important for reaching older generations who may not be online.

Funeral home website. Most funeral homes will post the obituary on their website at no additional cost. This is typically the first place people look when searching for service details. The funeral home will often handle the newspaper submission as well.

Online obituary sites. Websites like Legacy.com, Echovita, and Tribute Archive allow you to post obituaries online, often for free or a small fee. These sites make the obituary searchable and accessible to people outside the local area.

Social media. Sharing the obituary on Facebook or other platforms is increasingly common and can reach people the family might not have contact information for. Keep the post simple — share the text of the obituary or a link to it, along with a photo.

Free online memorial page. A memorial page goes beyond a traditional obituary by creating a lasting space where friends and family can share photos, leave messages, tell stories, and return on anniversaries and birthdays. Unlike a newspaper listing that disappears after a few days, a memorial page remains accessible for years. MemoriTree offers free memorial pages that take just a few minutes to create and serve as a permanent digital tribute.

For more on writing and posting a free obituary online, see our guide to the free obituary maker.