Military Obituary Examples and Writing Guide

Writing a military obituary is a profound way to honor the service and sacrifice of a loved one. This guide provides detailed examples and tips to help you craft an obituary that celebrates their life and commitment to their country.

Understanding Military Obituaries

A military obituary not only highlights the deceased’s personal achievements and family life but also pays tribute to their service and dedication. This type of obituary often includes specific military details such as rank, branch of service, awards, and deployments.

Key Elements of a Military Obituary

• Full Name and Rank: Include their full name and military rank.
• Branch of Service: Specify the branch they served in, such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.
• Service Details: Mention key details such as years of service, deployments, and any special recognitions or medals received.
• Personal Achievements: Highlight their accomplishments outside the military.
• Family Information: List surviving family members and predeceased relatives.
• Funeral Details: Provide information about the service, including date, time, and location.

Military Obituary Example

Below is an example of a military obituary to guide you in writing your own:

Johnathan Michael Doe, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

Johnathan Michael Doe, aged 67, passed away on March 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 12, 1956, in Springfield, Johnathan dedicated 30 years of his life to serving his country in the United States Army.

He was a proud graduate of West Point, class of 1978, and served with distinction in multiple deployments, including Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His bravery earned him numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit.

Outside of his military career, Johnathan was an avid historian and enjoyed volunteering at the local veterans’ center. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his children, James and Emily, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Doe.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held on March 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Arlington National Cemetery.

Writing Tips for a Military Obituary

Here are some practical tips to help you write a military obituary:

• Start with Key Details: Begin with the full name, rank, and branch of service.
• Highlight Military Service: Include deployments, awards, and notable achievements.
• Incorporate Personal Touches: Add personal anecdotes or hobbies to give a well-rounded view of their life.
• Be Concise and Respectful: Keep the obituary respectful and focused on celebrating their life and service.
• Verify Details: Double-check all military and personal details for accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should be included in a military obituary?
   A military obituary should include the deceased’s full name, rank, branch of service, service details, personal achievements, family information, and funeral details.
2. How do I verify military service details?
   Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs or use military records to verify service details.
3. Can I include personal anecdotes in a military obituary?
   Yes, personal anecdotes help to provide a fuller picture of the deceased’s life.
4. What is the best way to honor military service in an obituary?
   Highlight their service achievements, awards, and any significant contributions made during their military career.
5. Do I need to include military ranks in the obituary?
   Yes, including the rank is important as it reflects their service and achievements.
6. How can I ensure the obituary is respectful?
   Focus on celebrating their life and service, using respectful language and verifying all details.

Explore More Obituary Templates

For more guidance, explore our wide range of obituary templates and use our AI Obituary Writer to assist in crafting a personalized tribute.