Obituary Template & Obituary Sample Format

Use this section as an outline, checklist, sample format, or template to writing an obituary.

The following headings are meant as a general guide. Make sure that you have considered everything that is usually covered, then select what you would like to include, and also decide what order you would like to use.

NAME / ANNOUNCEMENT

Full name of the deceased, including nickname, if any
Age at death
Residence (for example, the name of the city) at death
Day and date of death (remember to include the year)
Place of death
Cause of death

LIFE

Date of birth
Place of birth
Names of parents
Childhood: siblings, stories, schools, friends
Marriage(s): date of, place, name of spouse
Education: school, college, university and other
Designations, awards, and other recognition
Employment: jobs, activities, stories, colleagues, satisfactions, promotions, union activities, frustrations
Military service
Places of residence
Hobbies, sports, interests, activities, and other enjoyment
Charitable, religious, fraternal, political, and other affiliations; positions held
Achievements
Disappointments
Unusual attributes, humor, other stories

FAMILY

Survived by (and place of residence):

Spouse
Children (in order of date of birth, and their spouses)
Grandchildren
Great-grandchildren
Great-great-grandchildren
Parents
Grandparents
Siblings (in order of date of birth)
Others, such as nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws
Friends
Pets (if appropriate)

Predeceased by (and date of death):

Spouse
Children (in order of date of birth)
Grandchildren
Siblings (in order of date of birth)
Others, such as nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws
Pets (if appropriate)

SERVICE

Day, date, time, place
Name of officiant, pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, other information
Visitation information if applicable: day, date, time, place
Reception information if applicable: day, date, time, place
Other memorial, vigil, or graveside services if applicable: day, date, time, place
Place of interment
Name of funeral home in charge of arrangements
Where to call for more information (even if no service planned)