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, unsure where to begin, or worried about finding the right words during an emotional time. This step-by-step 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’re ready to begin writing now, you can start your obituary at your own pace using our online obituary builder:
Start your obituary here → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
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
There is no perfect way to write an obituary. Use these guidelines as a starting point and adjust based on your father’s life and your family’s preferences.
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 wording:
• “passed away peacefully”
• “surrounded by family”
• “after a courageous battle with illness”
Keep language gentle and simple.
3. Birth and early life details
You may include:
• birth date and birthplace
• parents’ names
• siblings
• childhood highlights (optional)
4. Significant life milestones
Common elements:
• education
• marriage or partner
• military service
• career or business ownership
• community involvement
• major accomplishments
Fathers are often remembered for roles such as provider, mentor, coach, or friend—include what fits.
5. Personality and interests
This is where the obituary becomes personal and meaningful:
Examples:
• hobbies (fishing, woodworking, golf)
• traits (humor, strength, patience)
• passions (coaching youth sports, volunteering)
6. Surviving family members
Typically listed in this order:
• spouse or partner
• children and spouses
• grandchildren
• siblings
• predeceased family members (optional)
7. Service or memorial information
Include only what is necessary:
• date, time, and location
• celebration of life details
• livestream information
• “private service” if applicable
Safety reminder: Do not publish home addresses.
8. Memorial contributions (optional)
Examples:
• hospice
• veterans’ organizations
• 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 help guide your writing. You can adjust tone, length, and details based on your family’s wishes.
Why this example works
Strong opening sentence
Includes:
• name
• age
• location
• date of passing
• gentle phrase
Balanced life summary
Covers:
• early life
• military service
• career
• marriage and family
Personal and specific details
Phrasing like:
• “steady wisdom”
• “love of woodworking”
• “never missed a grandchild’s ballgame”
helps readers connect emotionally.
Clear closing
Provides:
• service type
• date and time
• donation preferences
If this example was helpful and you’re ready to create your own, you can begin here:
Create your obituary now → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
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Alternate Wording Options
Short obituary for a father
Ideal for newspapers or funeral programs:
[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 or 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) → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
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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 obituaries may be longer.
Should I include cause of death?
It’s optional—only share 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 at your own pace
• save drafts and edit anytime
• add photos and memories
• publish and share with family and friends
Begin your obituary here → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray