Finding obituaries can be a crucial task when dealing with the loss of a loved one, tracing family history, or fulfilling legal obligations. If you’re looking for obituaries from Owens and Brumley Funeral Home, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the various methods to locate these important records.
Understanding Obituaries
Definition and Purpose
Obituaries are written notices of a person’s death, often with a brief biography. They serve to inform the public of the passing, provide details about funeral services, and celebrate the deceased’s life.
Historical Significance
Historically, obituaries have been a way to document significant life events and familial ties, making them invaluable resources for historians and genealogists.
About Owens and Brumley Funeral Home
History of Owens and Brumley
Owens and Brumley Funeral Home has been serving communities with dignity and compassion for many years. They offer comprehensive services to support families during their time of loss.
Services Provided
Their services include traditional funerals, cremations, memorial services, and pre-planning options, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each family.
Importance of Obituaries
Family and Community Significance
Obituaries hold immense value for families and communities as they help commemorate the life of the deceased and provide closure.
Legal and Genealogical Importance
Legally, obituaries can serve as official death notices. Genealogically, they are key in tracing family histories and connecting with distant relatives.
Where to Find Owens and Brumley Obits Online
Owens and Brumley’s Official Website
The first place to check is the Owens and Brumley official website. They often have a dedicated section for recent obituaries where you can search by name or date.
Funeral Home Websites
Many funeral homes, including Owens and Brumley, maintain online databases of obituaries. These databases are regularly updated and are easily searchable.
Newspaper Archives
Local Newspapers
Local newspapers in the areas Owens and Brumley serve frequently publish obituaries. Some of these include The Times Record News and The Wichita Falls Tribune.
Online Newspaper Archives
Websites like Newspapers.com or the archives of local papers may have older obituaries that aren’t available on the funeral home’s website.
Genealogy Websites
Popular Genealogy Sites
Websites such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org have extensive obituary archives. These sites are particularly useful for finding older obituaries and tracing family history.
Using These Sites Effectively
To use these sites, enter the name of the deceased and the location. Filters can help narrow down search results to the relevant records.
Social Media Platforms
Using Facebook and Twitter
Many people share obituaries and memorials on social media. Searching for the deceased’s name on platforms like Facebook or Twitter might yield useful results.
Community Groups and Pages
Local community groups and pages often share obituaries and funeral service information, making them valuable resources.
Local Libraries and Historical Societies
Resources at Local Libraries
Local libraries frequently have archives of newspapers and other documents, including obituaries. Staff can assist in locating these records.
Historical Society Archives
Historical societies may also keep records of obituaries, especially those of significant local figures or families.
Subscription-Based Obituary Services
Overview of Subscription Services
Services like Legacy.com offer comprehensive databases of obituaries, but they often require a subscription.
Benefits and Drawbacks
While these services provide extensive records, they can be costly. Weighing the benefits against the cost is important.
Funeral Home Directories
Using Directories
Directories such as FuneralNet and Tributes.com list funeral homes and their contact information, making it easier to reach out for specific obituaries.
Requesting Obituaries
When contacting a funeral home, provide the deceased’s name and date of death to assist in the search.
Search Engines
Effective Online Searches
Using search engines with specific keywords, like the name of the deceased along with “obituary” and “Owens and Brumley,” can yield quick results.
Advanced Search Features
Utilize advanced search options, such as date ranges and location filters, to refine your search.
Contacting Owens and Brumley Directly
How to Reach Out
If online searches are unsuccessful, contacting Owens and Brumley directly is a reliable option. They can provide obituaries upon request.
Information to Provide
When reaching out, have the full name of the deceased and the date of death ready to facilitate the search process.
Tips for Preserving Obituaries
Digital Preservation
Save digital copies of obituaries on your computer or cloud storage to ensure they’re not lost.
Physical Preservation Methods
For physical copies, store them in a safe place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Acid-free paper and protective sleeves can also help preserve them.
Conclusion
Finding Owens and Brumley obituaries can be straightforward with the right resources and approaches. From the funeral home’s website to local libraries, multiple avenues can help you locate these valuable records. Always remember to preserve these documents carefully, as they hold significant emotional and historical value.
FAQs
How long do funeral homes keep obituaries?
Most funeral homes keep obituaries indefinitely, but it’s best to contact them directly for specifics.
Can I get a copy of an old obituary from a newspaper?
Yes, many newspapers keep archives of old obituaries. Check their online archives or contact their office.
Are online obituaries accurate?
Generally, yes. However, it’s always good to verify information through multiple sources if accuracy is crucial.
What should I do if I can’t find an obituary?
Contact the funeral home directly or check with local libraries and historical societies.
How can I contribute an obituary to Owens and Brumley?
