Finding obituaries for loved ones can be a difficult but necessary task. The Times Record News (TRN) in Wichita Falls, Texas, serves as a primary source for these records. This guide will help you navigate the process of searching for obituaries in the TRN archives and offer additional resources to aid your search.
How to Find Obituaries in the Times Record News Archives?
The Times Record News doesn't maintain a readily searchable, extensive online obituary archive like some larger newspapers. Their online presence focuses on current news. Therefore, accessing older obituaries requires a bit more effort.
1. Direct Search on the TRN Website: While not a comprehensive archive, checking the TRN website's current news section may yield recent obituaries. Look for a dedicated "Obituaries" or "Death Notices" section.
2. Contact the Times Record News Directly: Calling the Times Record News directly is often the most efficient method for finding older obituaries. Their staff may be able to assist with your search, especially if you provide specific details like the deceased's name and approximate date of death.
3. Visit the TRN Office: Consider visiting the Times Record News office in person. They may have access to more extensive archives not available online.
4. Utilize Online Genealogy Resources: Websites like Ancestry.com, Find a Grave, and MyHeritage often index obituaries from various sources, including newspapers like the TRN. These platforms offer powerful search tools and may have indexed obituaries not readily accessible through the TRN website. Remember that these services often require subscriptions.
5. Check Local Funeral Homes: Funeral homes in Wichita Falls often maintain records of services they've conducted. Contacting funeral homes may lead you to an obituary or information regarding the deceased.
What Information Do I Need to Search Effectively?
The more information you have, the more successful your search will be. When searching for an obituary, try to include:
- Full Name of the Deceased: Including middle initials can greatly improve your chances of finding the correct record.
- Approximate Date of Death: Even a month and year can be helpful.
- Age at Death (if known): This can narrow down search results, especially if the name is common.
- Address (if known): This helps locate the obituary within the TRN's coverage area.
What if I Can't Find the Obituary Online?
If your search yields no results, don't despair. There are several alternative strategies you can try:
- Contact the Wichita Falls Public Library: Libraries often maintain local newspaper archives. They might have access to microfilms or digitized copies of the TRN containing the obituary.
- Explore Other Local News Sources: While the TRN is the primary source, smaller local publications or community newsletters may also have published the obituary.
Are there Fees Associated with Obtaining Obituaries?
Some online genealogy sites charge subscription fees. However, contacting the TRN directly, visiting their office, or using the Wichita Falls Public Library are generally free methods. Funeral homes may also provide obituary information without charge.
How Can I Preserve a Found Obituary?
Once you find the obituary, consider preserving a copy for your records. You can:
- Print a Copy: If you find it online, print a copy for safekeeping.
- Save a Digital Copy: Save a PDF or image file to your computer or cloud storage.
- Photocopy (if using physical archives): If using physical archives, photocopies are an effective preservation method.
Finding obituaries requires patience and persistence. By utilizing these resources and strategies, you will significantly increase your chances of locating the obituary you need. Remember to respect the privacy of the deceased and their family during this process.
