Finding an obituary in Amarillo, Texas, is a common task for those looking to honor a loved one, conduct genealogical research, or stay informed about their community. Whether you are searching for a recent passing or looking into family history from decades ago, Amarillo offers several reliable resources to find this information. This guide provides a straightforward path to locating Amarillo obituaries through newspapers, funeral homes, and digital archives.
The Primary Source: Amarillo Globe-News
The Amarillo Globe-News has been the city’s primary daily newspaper for generations. It remains the most comprehensive source for local obituaries. Most families in the Texas Panhandle choose this publication to share news of a passing because of its wide reach and established history.
To find recent obituaries in the Globe-News, you can visit their website directly. They typically partner with national platforms like Legacy.com to host their obituary section. This partnership allows you to search by name, date range, and keywords. You can also sign up for email alerts to be notified when a specific name appears in the listings.
For those who prefer physical media, the print edition of the Amarillo Globe-News publishes obituaries daily. If you are looking for an entry from the last few days, checking a physical copy at a local library or newsstand is a reliable option. Keep in mind that some families may choose to publish a brief “death notice” instead of a full obituary to save on costs, so look for both categories.
Searching Amarillo Funeral Home Websites
Funeral homes are often the first to post obituary information, sometimes appearing online before they hit the local newspaper. If you know which funeral home is handling the services, their website is the fastest way to find service times, locations, and memorial details.
Amarillo is served by several long-standing funeral homes that maintain detailed online databases. Some of the most prominent include:
- Schooler Funeral Home: Known for providing detailed digital tributes and guestbooks.
- Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors: A long-time Amarillo institution with an easy-to-navigate obituary search tool.
- Cox-Rowley Funeral Home: Offers comprehensive listings for recent services and historical records of those they have served.
- Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation: Provides a modern interface for viewing recent obituaries and service information.
- LaGrone Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors: Features an online archive of past services and current announcements.
When searching these sites, look for a tab labeled “Obituaries” or “Tributes.” These pages often include a photo of the deceased, a full biography, and a section where you can leave condolences or share memories with the family.
Using Online Obituary Databases
If you aren’t sure which funeral home was used or if the person passed away some time ago, national obituary databases are excellent tools. These sites aggregate data from thousands of newspapers and funeral homes across the United States, including those in Amarillo.
Legacy.com and Tributes.com are the two largest providers in this space. By entering the person’s name and “Amarillo, TX” into the search fields, you can narrow down results quickly. These platforms are particularly helpful because they allow you to search over a wide span of time, which is useful if you only have a vague idea of when the person passed away.
Another useful tool is Find A Grave. While this site focuses more on burial locations and headstone photos, many entries include a transcribed version of the original obituary. This is a free, volunteer-driven resource that is invaluable for historical and genealogical searches in the Amarillo area.
Finding Historical Amarillo Obituaries
If your search takes you back several decades, digital newspaper archives and local libraries are your best resources. The Amarillo Public Library maintains an extensive collection of local records that can help you find information that predates the internet.
The Downtown Central Branch of the Amarillo Public Library houses microfilm of the Amarillo Globe-News (and its predecessors like the Amarillo Daily News) dating back to the early 20th century. Librarians can often assist you in using the microfilm readers. If you live outside of Amarillo, you may be able to request a search through their reference department for a small fee.
For a more digital approach to history, The Portal to Texas History, managed by the University of North Texas, is a massive digital archive. It contains scanned pages of many smaller Texas Panhandle newspapers. This is a great place to look if the person lived in a town near Amarillo, such as Canyon, Hereford, or Pampa, as their obituary might have appeared in a local county paper instead of the Globe-News.
How to Search Effectively
When searching for an obituary, having the right details will save you time. If a general search for a name doesn’t work, try these tips to refine your results:
- Use Maiden Names: For married women, try searching with both their married and maiden names.
- Check Nicknames: Some people are listed by a nickname or middle name in their obituary (e.g., searching for “Bill” instead of “William”).
- Expand the Date Range: Obituaries are not always published the day after a death. They may appear a week or even a month later, especially if services were delayed.
- Search by Relative: If you can’t find the person, search for the names of their spouse or children. Obituaries often list surviving family members, which can lead you to the correct record.
How to Place an Obituary in Amarillo
If you are responsible for publishing an obituary for a resident of Amarillo, the process usually begins with the funeral home. Most funeral directors will handle the submission to the Amarillo Globe-News as part of their service. However, you can also contact the newspaper’s obituary department directly if you are handling arrangements yourself.
When writing the obituary, it is helpful to follow a standard format to ensure all necessary information is included. A typical Amarillo obituary includes:
- Full Name and Age: Including any well-known nicknames.
- Date and Place of Death: To provide context for the reader.
- Biographical Details: Information about their education, career, military service, and hobbies.
- Family Members: Listing both predeceased and surviving relatives.
- Service Information: The time, date, and location of the funeral or memorial service.
- Memorial Contributions: Suggestions for donations to specific charities in lieu of flowers.
Be aware that newspapers charge by the line or word count for obituaries. Including a photograph also typically adds to the cost. Ask for a quote before finalizing the submission to ensure it fits within your budget.
Conclusion
Locating an obituary in Amarillo is a straightforward process when you utilize the city’s local resources. From the daily updates in the Amarillo Globe-News to the digital archives of local funeral homes and the historical records at the public library, the information you need is accessible. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can find the records you need to honor a legacy or complete your family history.
For more help with local resources and everyday questions, explore our other articles on community services and digital research tools to find the answers you need quickly and reliably.