Need help writing your loved ones' obituary? Never had to do this before and you have no idea where to begin?

Want to create a lasting tribute that honors your loved ones' life, but you can't find the words?

We understand. Completely.

Access our template below for writing an obituary, developed by our team at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.

You are welcome to copy this template and personalize it for your own use. In fact, we suggest that you do!

Ready to get started?

First.. Let's talk about something. What is an Obituary?

At its core, an obituary is an informational announcement and a tribute. It is a notice of someone's death that also provides key details about their life, loved ones, and details about any arrangements made for their final farewell.

As such, an obit serves multiple purposes: informing the public of the loss, acknowledging the lives touched by the deceased, and detailing any memorial services planned for their remembrance, as well as related information. An effective obituary reaches beyond mere facts and seeks to touch the hearts of those who knew the person.

It is, effectively, a tribute – and hopefully one that offers a sense of closure while celebrating the life of the deceased.

How Should You Structure an Obituary?

Most obituaries follow a fairly traditional format, which helps to ensure that it communicates all necessary information clearly and respectfully. The key elements most obits feature include, in order:

Announcement of Death – This is the basic announcement of the person's death, including their full name, age, place of residence, and the date they passed away. This section may also mention the cause of death, though for privacy and sensitivity, many families choose to omit this information.

Biography – This section outlines significant milestones and achievements in the deceased's life. It can include details about their education, career, hobbies, military service, and anything else that paints a picture of who they were and the legacy they leave behind.

Loved Ones – Here, surviving and predeceased family members are listed. This usually includes spouses, children, grandchildren, and parents.

Memorial Services – This outlines information about the time, date, and location of any services (such as the funeral, viewing, burial, or memorial service). Details of any requests for charitable donations in lieu of flowers can also be included here.

Closing Thoughts – Finally, some obituaries conclude with a special message or a thank you to those who cared for the person during their final days, a meaningful quote, or a few words about what the deceased meant to those they leave behind.

While there are many obituary examples that stray from this formula, opting to be creative, expressive, or even humorous – yes, there are funny obituaries – most stay close to this format.

With this basic structure in mind, let’s explore the obituary template we’ve put together for you.