How to Write a Meaningful Obituary for a Husband

What Should You Include in an Obituary for a Husband 

First, it’s important to remember what an obituary is. An obituary is not merely a death announcement. It's also a tribute — a way to honor a life well-lived, written for the deceased’s loved ones, survivors, friends, and acquaintances. Think of it as similar to a eulogy in written form. Keep that in mind, and you’ll already be halfway there. 

Most obituaries include the same basic information. You will include the departed’s full name, including any nicknames they were widely known by, as well as their date and place of birth, and the date of their death. 

You will also include important family details. Highlight the surviving spouse (which may be you), as well as any children or grandchildren. You can also include parents, siblings, and extended family members who played a significant role in his life. 

Most obituaries will include an overview of the deceased’s life. This can be as sparse or detailed as you choose. Traditionally, you will mention his academic achievements and professional milestones, and highlight his contributions to the community, such as charitable work, professional accomplishments, and key family accomplishments. You may also mention any hobbies, interests, or other passions that defined him. 

Optionally, many families choose to share personal anecdotes, stories, and warm memories about their lost loved one. 

Finally, obituaries should include details about funeral or memorial services, if any. 

How to Write a Meaningful Obituary for a Husband 

When you’re ready to start writing, feel free to use one of our obituary templates to help get you started, or follow the step-by-step below. The process is quite straightforward, and can be made even simpler by using our ObitWriter tool. 

Here’s how to turn the above suggestions into an obituary in just a few easy steps: 

Step 1: Start with Basic Information 

Begin with your husband's full name, date of birth, and date of death. Mention his place of birth and place of death to give a complete picture of his life's journey. Listing the cause of death is optional and may be included or omitted at your discretion. 

Step 2: List Family Members 

Next, list the names of immediate family members. Start with yourself, then list children, grandchildren, and other close relatives. This may include in-laws, important aunts, uncles, and cousins, and others. 

Step 3: Summarize His Life 

Write a concise summary of his life. Include his educational background, career achievements, military service, hobbies, and interests — anything that defined who he was and what he did. This section should offer a glimpse into his day-to-day life and what made him unique. Remember, an obituary is a tribute, so don’t be shy about celebrating the things he did with his life.

Step 4: Add Personal Stories 

Here, you can incorporate personal anecdotes that capture his essence. These stories can be humorous, touching, or inspirational — whatever you feel comfortable with or whatever matches his personality. This is your chance to give readers a deeper understanding of who he was. (And yes, it’s okay to use humor if you think the deceased would have appreciated that. There is a long and proud tradition of funny obituaries to take inspiration from.)

Step 5: Mention Community Involvement 

In this section, you can highlight any community service or charitable work he was involved in. This showcases his contributions to society and how he made a difference. Whether it was working with his church, coaching Little League, or running the office fundraiser, this is the place to mention it. 

Step 6: Provide Funeral Details 

Remember to include the date, time, and location of the funeral or memorial service, if any. If there are any special requests, such as donations to a charity in lieu of flowers, mention them here. 

Step 7: Review and Edit 

Finally, once you've written the obituary, take the time to review and edit it. Ensure that all the information is accurate and that the tone is fitting for the person he was. When you are satisfied, submit the obituary and ensure his legacy is remembered. 

Examples of Obituaries for a Husband 

What follows are some examples of obituaries to help guide you through the process. Each example is tailored to reflect different tones and styles. Use them as a template, replacing the relevant information with your own 

Traditional and Respectful 

• John Michael Smith, born on January 5, 1950, in Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, John is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Anna and Michael (along with his wife, Lisa); and his grandchildren, Emily, Mason, and Olivia.
  
  John graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in engineering and spent over 30 years with Tom Baker Tech Inc., where he was known for his dedication and expertise. He loved fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his family. John's kindness and generosity touched many lives, and he will be dearly missed.
  
  A memorial service will be held on March 10, 2024, at St. Mary's Church, 123 Main Street, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Funny and Lighthearted 

• Henry "Hank" Thompson, born on June 12, 1965, in Austin, Texas, decided it was time for an eternal fishing trip on February 20, 2024. Survived by his wife, Laura; his kids, Tim (and his wife, Megan) and Samantha (and her husband, Joe); and his dog, Rufus, who he considered the most important member of the family, since Rufus was the only one who would bring him a beer on command.
  
  Hank never met a joke he didn't like or a fish he couldn't catch. After 25 years as a sales manager at Howard & Clarke, he retired to enjoy his true passions—grilling, telling tall tales, embarrassing his kids with dad jokes, and forgetting to put on pants when stepped out to get the mail.
  
  Join us for a celebration of Hank's life on March 1, 2024, at his favorite fishing spot, Lake Travis. Bring your best jokes and a fishing pole—Hank wouldn't have it any other way. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). 

Inspirational and Uplifting 

• David Joshua Clarke, born on April 17, 1975, in Seattle, Washington, found his peace on February 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Survived by his loving wife, Sarah; his children, Lucas and Grace; and his cherished grandchildren, Liam and Ava, David's legacy is one of strength, love, and inspiration.
  
  A graduate of Stanford University, David dedicated his life to education, serving as a beloved high school principal for over two decades. He believed in the power of knowledge and the importance of kindness, something he carried with him even through his long illness. David's love for music, photography, and travel enriched his life and those around him.
  
  A celebration of David's life will be held on March 5, 2024, at Evergreen Hall, 456 Elm Street, Seattle. In honor of David's dedication to education, the family requests donations to the Scholarship Fund at Roosevelt High School. 

Religious and Faith-focused 

• Mark Andrew Johnson, born on December 15, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama, was called home by his Lord and Savior on February 15, 2024. Mark is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; his children, Rachel and her husband, Paul, and Matthew  and his wife, Sophie; and his grandchildren, Benjamin, Hannah, and Grace.
  
  Mark's faith was the cornerstone of his life. A graduate of Liberty University, he served as a pastor for over 40 years, touching countless lives with his sermons and compassionate counsel. Mark loved reading the Bible, spending time with his family, and sharing the word of God.
  
  A funeral service will be held on February 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 789 Pine Street, Birmingham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Church Mission Fund. 

Focused on Family 

• James William Thompson, born on June 3, 1955, in Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 10, 2024. He is survived by his cherished wife of 40 years, Margaret; his children, Emily and her husband, John, and Nathan and his wife, Laura; and his beloved grandchildren, Oliver, Sophia, and Julia.
  
  James was a family man through and through. His greatest joy was found within the walls of his home, where he showered his family with love, support, and laughter. A devoted husband, James and Margaret shared a bond that was an inspiration to all who knew them. His dedication to his children and grandchildren was unwavering, attending every school event, sports game, and family gathering.
  
  An engineer by profession, James had a passion for problem-solving and innovation. He worked for over 30 years at Hightower Engineering, where he was known for his expertise, dedication, and mentorship. Outside of work, James enjoyed gardening, fishing, and cooking—the kitchen was his domain where he concocted delightful meals for family and friends.
  
  A celebration of James' life will be held on January 15, 2024, at Harmony Community Church, 234 Maple Avenue, Boston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Boston Children's Hospital, reflecting James' life-long commitment to helping others. 

How Legacy Can Help Write an Obituary for a Husband 

If you need further assistance, Legacy.com offers a wealth of services you can utilize. This includes funeral planning tools, obituary templates, tips on how to write a memorial, and our brand new ObitWriter ® tool that allows anyone to create a high-quality tribute to their departed loved one in just moments. 

We also have tools to help you locate resources on coping with grief, and more. 

If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.