A Complete Guideline to Publish Obituaries in Oklahoma City

Publishing obituaries in Oklahoma City is an important way to honor a loved one. To publish an obituary, gather key details about the deceased, including their full name, birth and death dates, family members, and funeral service information. Select local newspapers, online sites like Legacy.com, or funeral home websites. Compare prices and deadlines and consider legal considerations; add a personal tribute and select photos.

How to Publish Obituaries in Oklahoma City

Here is a complete guideline:

Compile All Necessary Information

Before drafting the obituary, get as many details about the deceased as possible.

• Full Name: Include any nicknames or maiden names

• Date and Place of Birth: For some background of where the individual was born.

• Date and Place of Death: Part of the required record.

• Surviving Family Members: List immediate family members, such as spouses, children, grandkids, siblings, etc.

• Predeceased family members: Names of immediate members deceased.

• Educational and Occupational background: Highlight major achievements in their studies and professional life.

• Pursuits outside work: Individual interests and how one is or was involved within the community.

• Information on Funeral/Memorial Services: Data including date, time, and place.

Choosing the Right Publication Platform

In Oklahoma City, you have several options for publishing an obituary:

• Newspapers: Newspapers are the most common source for obituaries. The Oklahoman, for example, provides obituary listings.

• Online Platforms: Websites such as Legacy.com and Dignity Memorial allow for the online posting of obituaries, allowing for a much wider reach and easy distribution.

• Social Media Platforms: Families may create a memorial post or page to share the news and invite others to share memories.

• Website of Funeral Homes: Many funeral homes publish obituary services online. This could be a useful alternative. 

Writing an Honorable Obituary

When writing the obituary, adopt the following form:

• Start with a Notice: It contains the deceased person's name, age, town of residence, and date, followed by place of death.

• Life Summary: Mention their city name, high school, university attendance, profession, etc., and finally, their lifetime achievements in personal activities, hobbies, or areas of interest.

• Family Relations: Survived by and pre-deceased by family members.

• Service Details: Provide the details of any services to be held, including dates, times, and locations.

• Memorial Contributions: If possible, recommend that contributions be made to a specific charity instead of flowers.

• Conclusion: End with a meaningful quote or saying that best sums up the person's personality.

Learn About the Costs and Deadlines

Be aware of the following:

• Costs: The fee varies depending on the length, inclusion of photos, and publication. Some platforms charge by word count, while others offer free basic listings.

• Deadline: The deadline varies from publication to publication. Some accept submissions by 2 PM the day before publishing.

Reviewing and Proofreading Before Submission

Before sending in your final version, make sure:

• All details are correct: All names, dates, and locations must be right.

• Proofread: Grammar and clarity check.

• Ask Someone Else to Review: Have a family member or friend to review the obituary for anything missing or incorrect.

The Submission Process

The submission process may vary based on the source:

• Online Forms: Many outlets offer online forms where you can input the obituary text and upload photos.

• Email: Some accept submissions by email. Make sure you adhere to their guidelines regarding format and attachments.

• In-Person: Submissions can also be made by visiting the publication's office, although this is rare in the digital age.

What are the Additional Considerations for Writing an Obituary?

• Composing Compassionately: Take a few moments to create a memorable, meaningful tribute by talking to family members about important times in the individual's life, like significant events or personality traits. Consider hiring an experienced writer, but plenty of funeral home resources are available.

• Online Obits: Access EverLoved or Tributes.com for your online obituaries. These sites offer obits, memories, condolences, and messages, which you can share on social media or donate to a worthy cause through GoFundMe.

• Legal Notes: Be sure to omit details affecting a will or estates. Review the piece by an attorney for accuracy.

• Photograph: Consider using a photograph. Note that some publications charge a fee for photo insertion.

What is the Purpose of Publishing an Obituary?

An obituary fulfills several very important purposes:

• Community Notice: It announces a person's death, along with the information required about his life and arrangements for his funeral or memorial.

• Celebrating the Deceased: It highlights the special achievements, contributions, and legacy of the person being remembered respectfully.

• Providing Information: By including specifics such as the date, time, and location of memorial services, friends, relatives, and the community can come together to offer support, share memories, and pay their respects.

Writing a thoughtful obituary helps ensure the memory of the loved one lives on.

Conclusion

Publishing obituaries in Oklahoma City involves compiling crucial information about the deceased, selecting the right platform—newspapers, online sites, or funeral home services—and crafting a respectful tribute. Being aware of costs, deadlines, and submission methods is essential. A well-written obituary informs the community, honors the individual’s achievements, and provides details for memorial services, ensuring the loved one’s memory is cherished and celebrated.