How to Write an Obituary for Your Father (Step-by-Step Guide + Example)
If you're searching for how to write an obituary for your father, you may be feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. This guide will walk you through the process, help you understand what to include, and provide an example obituary you can use for reference.
If you would like guided support, you can use our obituary-writing tool, which helps you complete each section and creates a formatted draft automatically:
Start with the obituary builder → [INSERT LINK HERE]
In this guide, you’ll find:
• what to include in an obituary for your father
• a sample obituary for a father (for educational purposes only)
• helpful notes after the example explaining why it works
• alternate wording options
• a fill-in-the-blank obituary template
• common mistakes to avoid
• frequently asked questions
Whether you need a short obituary, something for a celebration of life, or a longer life story, this guide will help you write with clarity and confidence.
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What to Include in an Obituary for Your Father
Use these guidelines as a starting point—there is no perfect way to write an obituary.
1. Full name and age
You may include:
• middle name
• nickname
• suffix (Jr., Sr., III)
Example:
Robert James Miller Sr., 82
2. Date and place of passing
Optional, gentle wording:
• “passed away peacefully”
• “surrounded by family”
• “after a courageous battle with illness”
3. Birth and early life details
You may include:
• birth date and birthplace
• parents’ names
• siblings
• childhood details (optional)
4. Significant life milestones
Common elements:
• education
• marriage or partner
• military service
• career or business ownership
• community involvement
Many fathers are remembered for roles such as mentor, provider, coach, or friend—include what fits.
5. Personality and interests
Examples:
• hobbies (fishing, woodworking, golf)
• personal traits (humor, strength, patience)
• passions (coaching youth sports, volunteering)
6. Surviving family members
Often listed in this order:
• spouse or partner
• children and spouses
• grandchildren
• siblings
• predeceased relatives
7. Service or memorial information
Include only what is necessary:
• date, time, and location
• “private service” if applicable
• celebration of life details
• livestream information
Safety reminder: Do not publish home addresses.
8. Memorial contributions (optional)
Examples:
• veterans’ organizations
• hospice
• charity meaningful to your father
• “in lieu of flowers…” wording
Most obituaries are 200–500 words, but online tributes may be longer.
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Example Obituary for a Father
(For educational and example purposes only — all names and details are fictional)
Robert James Miller, 82, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born on November 3, 1942, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Robert was the son of William and Margaret Miller. After graduating from Bowling Green High School, he served honorably in the United States Army before beginning a 35-year career as a mechanical engineer with Bluegrass Manufacturing.
In 1968, Robert married the love of his life, Linda Carter, and together they raised two children. Known for his steady wisdom, quick humor, and love of woodworking, he spent countless weekends building furniture for family and friends. He never missed a grandchild’s ballgame and was always the first to offer help when someone needed a hand.
Robert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda; his children, Mark (Jennifer) and Lisa (David); and four grandchildren who brought him endless joy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Meadowbrook Community Church in Lexington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society in Robert’s memory.
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Helpful Notes About This Example
This obituary is provided only as a sample to assist with writing your own. You can adjust tone, length, and details based on your family’s wishes.
Why this example works
Strong opening sentence with name, age, location, and date
Balanced life summary including military service and career
Personal, specific details that create emotional connection
Clear closing with service and donation information
No sensitive or private details included
If this example was helpful and you’re ready to create your own, you can begin here:
Create your obituary now → [INSERT LINK HERE]
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Alternate Wording Options
Short obituary for a father
[Name], [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date]. He is survived by [family members]. A [service type] will be held on [date] at [location].
Obituary written from children
Example wording:
Our father, [name], taught us the meaning of [value — strength, kindness, honesty]…
Cremation-focused wording
Use phrases such as:
• “A private family gathering will be held.”
• “A celebration of life will take place at a later date.”
Faith-based language
Examples:
• “went home to be with the Lord”
• include scripture
• mention church involvement
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Fill-in-the-Blank Obituary Template for a Father
You can copy and customize this template:
[Full Name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully/after a brief illness/etc.] on [date].
He was born on [birth date] in [birthplace] to [parents’ names, optional]. [First name] graduated from [school] and spent [number] years working as a [career/role], where he was known for [qualities/accomplishments].
In [year], he married [spouse’s name], and together they [family highlights]. He will be remembered for [personal traits, hobbies, passions].
[First name] is survived by [list surviving relatives] and preceded in death by [names, if applicable].
A [service type] will be held on [date/time] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, [donation preference].
When you're ready to save, edit, and publish your obituary online, you can do it here:
Start your obituary (no commitment to begin) → [INSERT LINK HERE]
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
• thinking it has to be perfect
• including home addresses
• adding unnecessary medical details
• switching between name formats
• skipping family review before publishing
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start writing an obituary for your father?
Begin with:
• full name
• age
• city and state
• date of passing
How long should an obituary be?
Most are 200–500 words, but online tributes may be longer.
Should I include cause of death?
It is optional—share only what feels comfortable.
Is there a correct obituary format?
No—use a structure that feels right for your family.
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Final Thoughts
Learning how to write an obituary for your father is not about perfection—it’s about honoring his life and legacy. Take your time, gather input from family, and write from the heart.
With RemembrLink, you can:
• write an obituary using our guided template tool
• save drafts and make changes at any time
• add photos and personal details
• publish and share with family and friends
Begin your obituary here → [INSERT LINK HERE]