Guide
How to write an obituary for your father
An obituary for your father typically includes his full name, age, town and date of death; a short summary of his life, work, service and interests; the family who survive him and those who died before him; service details; and any donation wishes. Print versions are often 100 to 200 words; online versions can be longer and include photos.
By the Lovingly Written team · Updated
What to include
- Announcement: full name, age, hometown, date of death.
- His life: where he grew up, education, work, military service if any, faith or community roles, hobbies.
- Family: survivors, then those who died before him.
- Services: visitation, funeral and burial or committal details.
- Donations: charity or cause, if any.
Military service and work history
If he served, include the branch and, if known, rank and years. Families often want to mention his unit or where he served; check these details with records or relatives, and leave out anything you're unsure of. For work, a sentence about what he did and what he was known for there is usually enough.
Illustrative example
James "Jim" Walker, 81, of Springfield, Missouri, died on September 3 after a short illness. Born on a farm outside Joplin, he served in the U.S. Army before spending 35 years as an electrician, the man neighbors called first for anything that sparked, hummed or stopped. He coached Little League for two decades and never missed a Cardinals game on the radio. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons, Michael (Anne) and Steven; his daughter, Laura (Chris); and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, June. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Greene Funeral Home, with the funeral at 10 a.m. Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Little League.
This example is illustrative; names and details are fictional.
Tone
Obituaries are usually factual and warm. One line of character, the thing he was known for, makes it feel like him without becoming a eulogy. Save the stories for the eulogy for your father.
Help with the words
Tell us about him and we'll help you write the obituary from your notes. See also how to write an obituary and obituary examples.