Coffeyville, Kansas, is a city steeped in history. Known for its connection to the Dalton Gang and a resilient community spirit, Coffeyville is a place where local history matters.
Obituaries are more than just announcements of death. They’re a public record of a life, a way to remember achievements and connections, and a source of comfort for those who grieve. They also provide important details for genealogical research.
If you’re looking for Coffeyville, KS obituaries, or researching your family history in the area, this article will guide you on where to find them, how to understand them, and what resources are available.
Finding Coffeyville, KS Obituaries: Online Resources
When you’re looking for information about someone who has recently passed away in Coffeyville, Kansas, the internet can be a helpful tool. Here’s how to find obituaries online:
Funeral Home Websites
Local funeral homes are usually the first to publish obituaries, often posting them on their own websites. Here are a couple of funeral homes in or near Coffeyville:
- Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel
- Penwell-Gabel Ford Chapel
On most funeral home websites, you’ll find a section called “Obituaries” or “Tributes.” You can usually search these sections by name or date to find the obituary you’re looking for.
Online Obituary Databases and Archives
Online obituary databases like Legacy.com, GenealogyBank.com, and Ancestry.com can also be helpful. These sites collect obituaries from different sources, so you can search a wider range of records. Some, like Ancestry.com and GenealogyBank.com, require a subscription, but they can be worth it if you’re doing extensive research. Legacy.com often hosts obituaries directly from funeral homes.
When you’re searching these databases, try using keywords like “Coffeyville,” “Montgomery County,” and the person’s name to get the most relevant results.
Finding Coffeyville, KS Obituaries: Offline Resources
While many obituaries are now available online, it’s worth remembering that, not so long ago, local newspapers were the place to find these notices. Some of those historical archives are still around today.
Local Newspapers
If you’re looking for Coffeyville obituaries, a key source is the Coffeyville Journal. You may be able to find current and historical obituaries through this publication.
To access newspaper archives, check with the Coffeyville Public Library or the Kansas Historical Society. They may have microfilm or digital archives of the Coffeyville Journal.
Coffeyville Public Library
Your local public library is a great resource for local history and genealogy. The Coffeyville Public Library likely has a local history section, which might include obituary clippings, indexes, or microfilm records.
The library may also offer obituary indexes, local history books, and access to online databases that could be helpful.
Don’t hesitate to contact the librarians for help! They can provide valuable guidance on locating specific obituaries and other genealogical resources.
Understanding and Interpreting Coffeyville Obituaries
Reading through obituaries can feel like a journey through the history of Coffeyville and Montgomery County. Here’s a little help in understanding what you’re reading.
Common Elements of an Obituary
Most obituaries contain certain standard information:
- The person’s full name, date of birth, date of death, place of death, age, and residence
- Biographical details, such as family relationships (names of parents, spouse, children, and siblings), education, career information, and memberships in organizations
- Accomplishments, hobbies, and personal qualities that give you a picture of the person’s life and what they contributed to the community
Deciphering Uncommon Terms and Phrases
Obituaries sometimes use euphemisms or terms that might be unfamiliar:
- Common euphemisms for death or illness might include phrases like “passed away peacefully,” “lost their battle with,” or “went to be with the Lord.”
- You might see references to religious or fraternal organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus or the Order of the Eastern Star.
- You might also see references to local place names or landmarks that are significant to Coffeyville and Montgomery County history.
Using Obituaries for Genealogical Research
Obituaries can be valuable sources of information if you’re researching your family history. Here’s how:
- Obituaries often list surviving relatives, which can give you clues for further research.
- Be sure to verify the information you find in obituaries with other sources, such as census records, birth certificates, and marriage licenses.
- Obituaries may include contact information for family members, which can connect you with living relatives.
More resources for genealogy and local history in Coffeyville
If you’re interested in learning more about your family history or the history of Coffeyville, you might try contacting these organizations:
Montgomery County Historical Society
The Montgomery County Historical Society collects documents, photographs, and artifacts relating to the county’s past. They also offer family histories, cemetery records, and other historical documents that could provide information about your family or other people you’re researching.
To learn more, visit the Montgomery County Historical Society at:
103 S 8th StIndependence, KS 67301
Kansas State Historical Society
The Kansas State Historical Society has statewide genealogical resources, including census records, military records, and land records that could supplement the information you find in obituaries.
Online genealogy forums and communities
Online forums can provide valuable insights and connections for genealogical research. You might start with Kansas Genealogy or look for county-level genealogy groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no obituary for someone?
There could be a few reasons why you can’t find an obituary for someone. First, not everyone chooses to have an obituary published. It’s a personal decision, and the family might prefer to mourn privately. Also, obituaries can take time to appear, so it might be published later. Finally, if the person recently passed away or lived far away, that may have an impact.
How do I find an old obituary in Kansas?
Finding old obituaries in Kansas can take some digging! Start by checking online archives of Kansas newspapers, like those held by the Kansas Historical Society. Websites like Ancestry.com and GenealogyBank often have digitized collections of obituaries. Don’t forget to check local library websites in the area where the person lived, as they might have local history resources. You can also contact local funeral homes, as they may have records of past services.
What celebrities are from Coffeyville, KS?
While Coffeyville might not be a celebrity hotspot like Hollywood, it does have a few notable figures! One well-known person from Coffeyville is baseball player Joe Tinker, of the famous Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance Chicago Cubs double play combination. Also, Coffeyville was home to baseball player Walter Johnson, who was born in Humboldt, KS, but spent a significant portion of his life in Coffeyville. There are more famous people from Coffeyville, but the above two are the most famous.
Key Takeaways
More than just a notice of someone’s death, an obituary is a tribute, a historical document, and a record of how a person lived and contributed to the Coffeyville community.
Whether you’re trying to piece together your family history or just want to learn more about Coffeyville, KS, obituaries are a great place to start. You can find them on funeral home websites, genealogy databases, and in local newspapers and libraries.
Exploring obituaries can help you connect with the past, honor your ancestors, and gain a deeper understanding of Coffeyville’s rich heritage. So, dive in and see what stories you can uncover!