Obituary Examples for a Father-in-Law
Short and longer obituary samples helping you write with warmth and clarity.
Writing an obituary for a father-in-law can be a heartfelt way to honour the man who welcomed you into his family. These obituary examples for a father-in-law offer thoughtful guidance through short and longer samples that reflect gratitude, respect, and fond memories.
Whether he was quiet and steady or full of stories and humour, these examples can help you find the right words to celebrate his life and the bond you shared.
Short Obituary Examples for a Father-in-Law
These short obituary samples for a father-in-law are simple, clear, and heartfelt — ideal for printed notices, funeral programs, or online announcements.
💬 If you’d like a little more step-by-step help before exploring the samples, our guide on how to write an obituary offers practical advice and structure to help you begin.
🕊️ Short Obituary Example 1 – Traditional and Factual
John “Jack” Mitchell, aged 82, passed away peacefully on 10 February 2024.
A devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, Jack will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, and wisdom. He worked as an engineer for over 40 years and was deeply respected by colleagues and friends alike.
He is survived by his wife, Helen, three children, and five grandchildren. A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Peter’s Church on 17 February 2024 at 11 a.m. Family flowers only, please. Donations may be made to the British Heart Foundation.
Jack’s steady nature and gentle humour will be remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
🕊️ Short Obituary Example 2 – Personal and Warm
Our dear father-in-law, Brian “Bill” Carter, passed away on 3 May 2024, aged 79.
Bill was the anchor of our family — strong, kind, and endlessly patient. He loved gardening, old Westerns, and Sunday lunches where stories and laughter filled the room. His sense of humour could ease any tension, and he had a way of making everyone feel at home.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Oakwood Chapel on 10 May 2024 at noon. Please wear something bright in his memory, just as he would have wanted.
We’ll remember his warmth, his wisdom, and the quiet way he showed his love — through actions more than words, and through a heart that never stopped giving.
🕊️ Short Obituary Example 3 – Faith-Based and Uplifting
Samuel “Sam” Okoro, aged 77, went home to be with the Lord on 16 March 2024.
A beloved husband, father, and father-in-law, Sam lived a life guided by faith and compassion.
He served faithfully in his church and was known for his integrity and gentle strength.
He enjoyed reading scripture, singing hymns, and sharing stories with his grandchildren. A home-going service will be held at Grace Chapel on 23 March 2024 at 10 a.m.
Sam’s faith and humility continue to inspire everyone blessed to know him.
🕊️ Short Obituary Example 4 – Modern and Reflective
Martin “Marty” Hughes, aged 68, passed away peacefully on 21 June 2024.
Marty was a husband, father, and father-in-law who lived with humour and heart.
He worked as a craftsman and loved cycling, jazz, and good conversation.
He welcomed everyone with kindness and treated friends like family. A memorial service will be held at Meadow Hall on 28 June 2024 at 3 p.m.
Marty’s laughter, generosity, and positive spirit will always be remembered.
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Longer Obituary Examples for a Father-in-law
These longer obituary samples for a father-in-law offer more space to share his story — capturing his character, milestones, and the love he brought to those around him.
🕊️ Longer Obituary Example 1 – Traditional Full Version
William “Bill” Harris, aged 85, passed away peacefully on 7 January 2024, surrounded by family.
A devoted husband, father, and father-in-law, Bill lived a life marked by honesty, hard work, and quiet faith.
Born in Sheffield, he worked as a school caretaker and took pride in helping others.
He loved woodworking, gardening, and time spent with his grandchildren, who adored his stories and his warm smile.
A service of thanksgiving will take place at St Mary’s Church on 14 January 2024 at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Donations may be made to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Bill’s kindness and humour will be deeply missed, but his love will continue to guide his family for generations to come.
🕊️ Longer Obituary Example 2 – Heartfelt and Family Focussed
Our beloved father-in-law, Peter “Pete” Daniels, passed away on 12 April 2024, aged 78.
Pete joined our family with open arms, bringing warmth, laughter, and a generous heart.
He loved cooking, storytelling, and teaching his grandchildren the art of patience — often through fishing trips or games of chess.
He worked as a tradesman and was admired for his reliability and craftsmanship. His home was always open to neighbours, friends, and family alike.
A celebration of Pete’s life will be held at Rosewood Chapel on 19 April 2024 at noon. Guests are invited to share memories that capture his spirit and humour.
Pete’s love, loyalty, and gentle humour will remain forever in our hearts.
🕊️ Longer Obituary Example 3 – Faith and Community Inspired
Joseph “Joe” Adeyemi, aged 76, went to be with the Lord on 17 September 2024.
A devoted husband, father, and father-in-law, Joe was a man of great faith and kindness. He served as a deacon at New Life Church, where his wisdom and humility inspired many.
He loved singing hymns, hosting fellowship gatherings, and sharing words of encouragement with his family and community.
A home-going service will be held at New Life Church on 24 September 2024 at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Greenfield. His family extends their gratitude for the prayers and support received.
Joe’s devotion, warmth, and compassion will remain a lasting light in the lives he touched.
🕊️ Longer Obituary Example 4 – Reflective Life Story
Andrew “Andy” Clarke, aged 72, passed away peacefully on 2 December 2024.
Andy was a husband, father, and father-in-law who believed that family was life’s greatest gift. He worked as a builder and loved creating spaces that brought people together.
He enjoyed cycling, reading, and quiet evenings with those he loved most. His calm presence and dependable nature made him the cornerstone of the family.
A memorial service will be held at Meadow Hall on 9 December 2024 at 2 p.m. Family and friends are encouraged to bring stories, photos, and laughter to celebrate his life.
Andy’s kindness, humour, and generosity will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in an obituary for my father-in-law?
Include his full name, age, date of passing, and family details. You can also share what made him special — his hobbies, values, or the role he played within the family. Add service details and any preferred charities for donations.
How long should an obituary for a father-in-law be?
Short obituaries for newspapers are often 80–120 words, while fuller online or printed versions are around 150–300 words. Choose the length that best reflects his story and your connection.
What’s the difference between an obituary and a eulogy or funeral speech?
An obituary is a written announcement of his life and passing, while a eulogy or funeral speech is spoken at a service and focuses more on stories and memories. Both honour his life in meaningful ways.
Should I mention how my father-in-law passed away?
That’s a personal choice. You can include it briefly, or choose to focus on his life instead. Phrases like “passed away peacefully surrounded by family” are gentle and widely used.
Can I use these obituary examples as they are?
Yes — you can use them directly or personalise them with his name, interests, and family details. Adding specific memories helps make the obituary feel more personal and true to him.
Where can I publish or share an obituary for my father-in-law?
You can share it through a newspaper, funeral home, or online memorial page. Many families also include it in an order of service or keep a printed version as a keepsake beside his photo and dates.
How can I write about my father-in-law respectfully if our relationship was distant?
Focus on gratitude and truth. You might mention his positive traits, the family he built, or the lessons he passed on. A simple, kind obituary still shows respect and acknowledges his place in your family’s story.
🕯️ When You’re Ready to Say More, We Can Help
After the obituary comes a harder task — finding the right words to say goodbye at a service.
We can shape a first draft from your memories, ready for you to personalise — or offer gentle guidance on what you’ve already written, so your tribute feels true to you.
Giving you space to grieve, be with loved ones, and focus on arrangements.