Here at Legacy, we encounter some of the world’s most touching, colorful, and heartfelt obituaries. You may find inspiration in these additional templates and reading some of these life stories that have been published in recent times:
Funny Obituary Template
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], allegedly [age] despite insisting that they were 29 for 10 years straight, of either [city, state] or Mars – [his/her/their] family was never quite sure which – died [where/of what] on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], who knew from the moment [he/she/they] [was/were] born that something was a little off. They were proven right when they noticed [insert a funny childhood detail or trait here]. [First Name] attended [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.], all of which amazed [his/her/their] family, who were pretty certain [First Name] would run away to join the circus instead.
[First Name] was loved by all, especially by dogs and [his/her/their] imaginary friends, of which they had many.
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], who will be thrilled to deal with [First Name’s] antics in the afterlife, and is survived by [name(s)/family members], who are still convinced this is all one big prank.
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. Donations to [charity name] would be greatly appreciated. Though [First Name] would have liked for everyone to wear clown costumes, please dress as you normally would for a memorial service.
Obituary Template for an Educator/Teacher
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [where/of what] on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] and went on to become a lifelong educator. [First Name] attended [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name)”].
[He/She/They] had a passion for teaching which led them to a career in education. They taught [grade or subject] at [insert school or university here] for [number of years] years, where they loved the challenges of educating the next generation.
[First Name] is remembered by countless students and colleagues as a caring influence who [a particular characteristic or activity that students appreciated]. [If they won any special recognitions of awards as a teacher, mention it here.]
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members].
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. Donations in their name may be made to [charity name].
Obituary Template for a Mother
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], beloved mother to [number of children] children, [age], of [city, state], passed away [where/of what] on [date], leaving a void her family cannot fill.
[She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], and [insert a childhood detail here]. [First Name] attended [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.].
[Deceased’s First Name] was a devoted mother to [Name or Names of children], her pride and joy. She always said their birth changed her life for the better, and they felt that in the love and support she provided.
[First name] took special joy in [mention aspect of parenthood], and had fond memories of [mention a particular family memory here related to their child/children].
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members], who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. Donations to [charity name] in her name are appreciated.
Obituary Template for a Father
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], proud father of [Number of children] children, [age], of [city, state], died [where/of what] on [date].
[He /They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], and [insert a childhood detail here]. [First Name] was educated at [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.] and working hard to help support his family.
[First name] was a devoted and loving father to [Name or Names of children], who dearly miss him and the life lessons he imparted to them. Among them was [a piece of advice he gave].
[He/they] took great pride in being a parent, especially [mention aspect of parenting here, a fond memory, participation in their children’s activities, etc.], and was proud to see [accomplishment of their child or children, being sure to mention something from each child if they had more than one].
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members].
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to [charity name].
Obituary Template for a Christian
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], [age], a devout Christian from [city, state], returned to God [where/of what] on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], and [insert a childhood detail here]. [First Name] attended [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.].
[First Name] was a devoted Christian who cherished [his/her/their] Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. They attended [their favored church] of [town where church is located], and took solace in knowing the Lord was watching over them.
[He/She/Their] favorite Bible verse was [cite verse here]: [Quote verse here]. [His/Her/Their] Christian values informed every aspect of their life and molded them into the beloved person they were.
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], who [he/she/they] will meet again in Heaven, and is survived by [name(s)/family members], who knew [First Name] will be waiting for them in the afterlife.
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. Donations to [church or charity name] in [his/her/their] name are encouraged.
Obituary Template for a Jewish Person
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], [age], of [city, state], left the Earth [where/of what] on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], and [insert a childhood detail here]. [First Name] attended [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.].
[First Name] was a proud Jew, taking pride in [his/her/their] heritage. They attended [Synagogue or religious school] in [town or city name], where they learned to be closer to their faith and to G-d. This faith guided every aspect of their lives and helped make them a better person.
One of [his/her/their] fondest memories was [traditional Jewish celebration], when [fond coming of age memory or family story related to the holiday or event].
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members].
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. Rather than send flowers, please donate to [charity name or Jewish organization] in their name.
Obituary Template for a Veteran
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Military rank / Retired Military Rank] [Deceased’s Full Name], [age], of [city, state], died [where/of what] on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], and [insert a childhood detail here]. [First Name] attended [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.].
A proud veteran, [First Name] served [years of service] in the [branch of military], attaining the rank of [highest rank attained] before their retirement. They served in the [military unit] at [military base] [in specific conflict] [from year to year]. While serving [His/Her/Their] country, [He/She/They] earned [list honors, medals and commendations here].
[First Name] was proud to have done [his/her/their] duty to help defend the freedom of citizens across this country, and was a member of [veterans organization or club here] in [city or town] for [number of years] years.
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members].
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in [his/her/their] name to [charity name or veterans organization] instead.
Obituary Template for a First Responder (Doctor, Tech. etc)
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], [age], of [city, state] and a dedicated first responder, passed away [where/of what] on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], and [insert a childhood detail here]. [First Name] attended [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.].
[First Name] became a first responder with [organization, company or squad] in [year], devoting themselves to aiding others. Though their efforts as a [type of first responder here] saved countless lives, [he/she/they] never sought or expected thanks for their work. Knowing they had helped another person was thanks enough.
That selflessness extended to their personal life, too. [First name] was kind, caring, and generous, traits reflected both at home and when out in the field working as a [type of first responder].
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members].
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. Instead of flowers, donations to [their first responder service/company, or a charity] in their name are highly encouraged.
Obituary Template for a Firefighter
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], [age], a fearless firefighter in [city, state], died [where/of what] on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names]. [First Name] went to [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.].
[First Name] always admired the heroism of firefighters, and therefore was proud to join [name of fire department, company or squad] in [year]. They never quailed at the rigorous training and difficult conditions, because [his/her/their] main focus was always on helping others.
[He/she/they] spent [number of years] years as a firefighter, serving (town/towns or city/cities] and often putting their life in danger for others alongside [his/her/their] fellow firefighters. The community is thankful for their years of dedicated service.
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members].
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in their name to [their fire company, or a charity].
Obituary Template for a Sudden/Tragic Death
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], [age], of [city, state], was tragically and unexpectedly lost on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] came into the world in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], and [insert a childhood detail here]. [First Name] was educated at [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.].
[First Name]’s unexpected passing comes as a shock to [his/her/their] family, friends, and loved ones, who are still reeling at the loss. [He/she/they] lived a vibrant life and still had so much ahead of [him/her/them]. They were taken far too soon.
In light of the sudden news, the family asks for privacy as they deal with this tragic situation.
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members].
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. Donations to [charity name] would be greatly appreciated.
Obituary Template for a Child
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], just [age] years old, of [city, state], left this world [where/of what] on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] born in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], [his/her/their] loving and devoted parents. They attended [school(s)], where they enjoyed [favorite classes, sports, or activities]. When not in school, they loved [favorite hobby, pastime or interest].
The [family’s last name] family are devastated by this loss. [First name] was just [age] years old and had a vibrant future ahead of them. Despite this tragedy, [his/her/their] family cherish the memories they had during their time together, including [favorite family memory] and [another family memory]. [First name] lit up every room they were in.
[First Name] is survived by [name(s)/family members]. Please respect the family’s privacy while they continue to cope with their grief.
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. Donations to [charity name] would be greatly appreciated.
Obituary Template Involving Mental Health
Full Name (Year Born-Year Died)
[Deceased’s Full Name], [age], of [city, state], died [where/of what] on [date].
[He/She/They] [was/were] entered the world in [city] in [year of birth] to [parents’ names], and [insert a childhood detail here]. [First Name] was educated [school(s)] before [“studying (major) at (university name),” “going to work at (workplace name),” “joining (military branch),” etc.].
[First name] bravely battled through their difficult private struggles, always with their support of their loving family. Though times weren’t always easy, [he/she/they] knew that they were loved and cared for by those closest to them, and showed tremendous strength throughout it all.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, reach out to [advocacy organization or hotline number here]. The first step towards is seeking help. [First Name] would not have wanted to see someone else having the same difficulties.
[First Name] was preceded in death by [name(s)/family members], and is survived by [name(s)/family members].
[1st service name/type] is [date of service #1] at [location of service #1], and the [2nd service name/type] is [date of service #2] at [location of service #2]. In lieu of flowers, a donation to [charity name] in their name is greatly encouraged.
Obituary Examples for Mothers, Grandmothers and Aunts
Ann Lee Davis of Oklahoma: “Ann’s personal slogan was ‘I’d rather wear out than rust out!’ and that’s pretty much what happened. Other Ann-isms included ‘I wouldn’t hurt you for a hundred dollars, as bad as I need the money’ and ‘You can’t hurt me! I carried my babies till their feet dragged the floor.'”
Valerie Drummond Howell Bard of Pennsylvania: “She was more than just an aunt; she was the life of the party, the spark that ignited joy in every gathering. Val’s presence was like a burst of fireworks on a dark night, and her sharp wit kept everyone on their toes. With her infectious smile and laughter, she turned ordinary moments into extraordinary ones…”
Hellen Lucylle Vantreese Meyer: “Hellen had a keen intuition about people. She had a gift for nurturing people with a disability. She always seemed to know when those around her needed a kind touch. She was the first to give someone a lift by pointing out that person’s best attributes.”
Obituary Examples for Husbands, Fathers and Uncles
James Gazzale of California: “Together, James and Susan navigated the anxiety-ridden obligation of being frequently uprooted and moved from one tour of duty to another… Perhaps the biggest challenge to their union was the separation brought by the Vietnam War, where James served on two tours of duty from 1965-66 and 1969-70. These were difficult times. There was no texting. Fortunately, James was more expressive writing down his feelings than speaking them. He sent many deeply felt and beautifully written love letters to Susan and his sons during these years.”
Donald Daniel Barton II of Pennsylvania: “Don was affectionately known as Donny, Daddy, Big ‘D’, Superman, and Uncle Donny. His grandfather, Joe Gimbrone, began Don’s boxing training at the age of 3, and affectionately gave Don the nickname Rocky. This was well before the movie by the same name ever existed, but the training Donny received was just a rigorous as the movie portrayed.”
Related: If you are looking for even more obituary examples, we have many inspiring samples of different life stories to help inspire you in the link above.
