Writing an obituary for a child is something a parent is never prepared for, which makes it incredibly difficult. Crafting an obituary is an important way of paying tribute to your loved one, and many people find it challenging to write. 

Figuring out what information to include adds extra stress to an already overwhelming time. We’ve compiled essential information for writing a loving obituary for your son, with meaningful examples to help guide you. 

Key Takeaways 

• Start your obituary with a meaningful statement. This can be announcing the person’s passing or even starting with a line from the loved one’s favorite poem or quote.
  
  

• Include your son’s significant milestones, the impact he had on his family, and other interests that he had.
  
  

• Discuss the funeral details in closing with any special requests.

  
  

How to Write a Loving Obituary for Your Son

The approach to writing an obituary for your son will depend upon his age at the time of his passing. For example, younger children may not have as many life achievements to write about as adults, but there are other significant things you can include. 

Here are the steps to writing a heartfelt obituary for your son. 

Create a Meaningful Opening Statement

Often, the opening statement is much easier after you have written the entire obituary. So, it’s up to you if you want to write this first or last.

The opening statement of an obituary typically announces a person's passing. Some family members include personal information like the child’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth. 

Some people choose to use the first opening statement from their loved one’s favorite poem or a quote they feel describes their son. It’s up to you, as there is no wrong answer. 

Determine Central Aspects of the Obituary

Before putting the obituary together, first, determine the central aspects of it. This will typically include information like their hobbies, likes, interests, friends or siblings. 

You could include a line from their favorite movie or share a story about them you feel best describes them. Pick an overall theme for the obituary. For example, you could focus on a range of emotions or aspects of their life. If they were into sports, you could create a sport-focused obituary while still keeping it relevant to them.

You must also consider the format and where you want to publish it. You don’t have to make all these decisions alone, either. Many families turn to Trustworthy to assist with staying organized while crafting an obituary. The collaboration features allow families to give ideas and suggestions. 

If you’re stuck on where to begin, Melissa Kinsey from Obituary Writing That's Not Deadly Dull advises:

“Just jot down maybe 12 or 15 things that come immediately to mind about the obituary. They can be flavors, smells, places, physical characteristics, just anything at all that you would associate with the obituary…”

Those dozen or so ideas will help you generate ideas to generate a rough draft.

Highlight Significant Milestones of your Son’s Life

An obituary is an opportunity to pay tribute to your son’s life, and you can do this by highlighting some of the significant milestones. This can include poignant moments in his academic career, hobbies or personal life. You could mention any awards he won or personal achievements he was most proud of.

It’s important to remember mentioning some significant milestones is ok, but you should avoid listing them all so it doesn’t sound like you’re reading from a CV. 

Discuss What He Liked to Do

In addition to milestones, mention some things your son liked to do. This can include his favorite games, hobbies, or if he enjoyed telling funny jokes. You could also mention things he liked doing with friends or family. Remember to keep the obituary focused on him rather than yourself or others. 

Talk About the Impact He Had on You and Your Family

It’s a good idea to talk about your son's impact on you and other family members. If he had siblings, you could talk a bit about his relationship with them. Perhaps mention some funny stories or treasured memories about him.

Chat with other family members and see if they have any stories and favorite memories of him they want you to share.  

Mention Surviving Family Members & Their Impact on Your Son’s Life

Did your son have a family member he was particularly close to or someone who had a large impact on his life? This could be anyone from older or younger siblings, his father, mother, uncle or cousin. You could talk a little bit more about this relationship and what kind of impact they had on your son’s life. 

Include How You and Your Family Will Remember Him

You can discuss how you and your family will remember your son. For some people, this can mean remembering him in a positive light and not in sadness over his passing. Some people remember family members by creating memorials, such as planting a tree in their memory.

Discuss Details on the Funeral Service

Toward the end of the obituary, include the funeral service details. This will include when and where the funeral is taking place, along with any other pertinent information.

Planning a funeral is stressful enough without worrying about being disorganized and losing important papers. We suggest using Trustworthy to help you stay prepared for anything, especially planning for emergency events like funerals.  

With Trustworthy, families can store and share important documents with loved ones so they can access confidential information all in one secure location.

Thank the Reader, and Include Any Special Requests 

Before ending the obituary, thank the reader for reading about your son’s life. You should also include any special requests at the end of the obituary. These requests could include wearing your son’s favorite color to the funeral or encouraging them to consider a charity close to your son’s heart if they wish to gift the grieving family.  

5 Obituary Examples for a Son

Now that you know how to write the obituary, here are some short examples to help get you started with crafting your own:

Example 1

(Name) passed away at the age of 12 years old on (date). He was a star athlete on the soccer field, a caring big brother, and a beloved son. 

(Name) was a beacon of kindness with a gentle soul that touched all who knew him, especially his younger sister (Name). His laughter echoed through our home, a melody of happiness that will forever resonate in our memories. He was passionate about soccer and was proud of making his school’s team. 

(Name) is survived by his parents (Name) and younger sister (Name). His private service will be held on (details). Instead of flowers, please consider donating to (name of place), a place close to (Name) heart.  

Example 2

(Name) was a funny and cheerful boy who lived his life to the fullest. On (date), he sadly passed away, leaving behind his loving family. Though not bound by blood, we shared an inseparable bond, as he was a cherished stepson who enriched our family with love and lots of laughter. 

(Name) was known for his many jokes and fascinating stories. He had a close relationship with his younger brother (Name), and despite life's challenges, he faced them with courage and resilience, teaching (brother’s Name) the true meaning of strength.

Though he may have left this world, his memory will live on in our hearts, a testament to his profound impact on those blessed to know him.

A funeral service is scheduled for (date) at the Presbyterian church (details) in honor of (Name’s) life. 

Example 3

On (date), (Name) sadly passed away. He was a star academic and was loved by all. Today, he leaves behind his loving mother, father and older sister. 

From the moment he came into our lives, (Name) filled our hearts with immeasurable love and laughter. With each passing year, he blossomed into a remarkable individual, achieving big and small milestones, especially in the classroom. From his first day of school to his graduation, he was dedicated to his studies and still had the time to help others. 

He also always made time for his sister and our family. I’ll treasure those Friday nights spent by the bonfire as a family. 

In closing, I would like to invite you to a private service celebrating (Name’s) life held on (details). 

Example 4

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of (Name) on (details). He is survived by his parents and younger siblings. 

(Quote) Anyone who knows (Name) knows that this was his favorite line, and reading it today, you can see why. As a young child, he was already with a joke or funny quip that had his siblings laughing. From his mischievous antics to his innocent pranks, his laughter was the soundtrack of our lives. 

Though he may have left us chuckling one last time, his memory will forever be a source of joy and comfort. Please join us on (details) as we celebrate the bright and beautiful life of (Name). 

Example 5

(Name) passed away on (date) after a car accident in his hometown of (name). Today, he leaves behind his parents (Name) and (Name). 

From a young age, we knew that (Name) was going to be a great football player. I’ll always remember him playing football outside with his father, wearing that helmet that was way too big for him. He had a natural knack for the game and made it his goal to become a professional player. 

He will always be remembered for his smile and willingness to go the extra mile for the people he loved. 

Please join our family in remembering (Name) on (details). In lieu of bringing flowers, please consider a donation to (name of organization). 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

How do you announce the death of a child?

A death announcement or death notice is a brief notice typed up in newspapers. They are generally short and should only include basic information, the name, age, and date of death. 

What should you omit from an obituary?

Avoid putting in too many graphic or uncomfortable details about how they passed away. You should also avoid adding topics or things that may offend family members or come across as disrespectful.

How do you make a beautiful obituary?

You can create a beautiful obituary by keeping it personal and speaking from the heart. Be sure to mention your favorite memories of your loved one or a poem you feel relates to them best. 

Do you put last names in an obituary?

You can put last names in an obituary if you want that information published. 

What should you avoid saying after the death of a child?

The death of a child is always extra heartbreaking, and saying the wrong things can actually create more hurt. Avoid saying things like “they’re in a better place” or “it will get better in time.”