Navigating local death notices in West Texas requires knowing where to look and how to submit information accurately. The El Paso Times obituaries section functions as the primary public record for families across El Paso County, Hudspeth County, and southern New Mexico. Whether you're searching for archival records or publishing a tribute for a loved one, understanding the logistics can save you time during a difficult period.
Finding recent notices or digging into historical records involves several different platforms. Because the newspaper partners with national obituary networks, notices appear across multiple digital and print channels. Knowing how to access these databases directly helps researchers and grieving families locate specific records quickly without running into paywalls or outdated links.
Where to Find El Paso Times Obituaries Online
Accessing current and past notices doesn't require a physical copy of the newspaper. Several digital archives host these records with varying levels of search capability.
- Legacy.com Partnership: The El Paso Times syndicates its daily notices through Legacy.com. This platform hosts the most comprehensive digital archive of recent death notices, guestbooks, and photo galleries.
- Official Newspaper Archive: The main El Paso Times website provides direct links to classifieds and local remembrances, though full-text search of older historical editions often requires a library subscription.
- Local Public Libraries: The El Paso Public Library provides free access to historical newspaper archives, including microfilm and digital databases like NewsBank, which covers decades of local births, marriages, and deaths.
Using these platforms effectively means knowing specific details about the deceased. Common search filters include full names, date ranges, and maiden names.
How to Submit an Obituary to the El Paso Times
Submitting a notice to the local paper involves specific guidelines, deadlines, and formatting choices. Most families work through a local funeral home, which handles the submission directly, but you can also submit notices independently.
- Contact the Funeral Home: Most regional funeral homes—such as Sunset Funeral Homes or Martin Funeral Home—manage the draft and submission process as part of their services. They coordinate directly with the newspaper's advertising department.
- Draft the Notice: Keep in mind that newspaper notices are billed by line or character count. Include essential details: full legal name, age, city of residence, date of passing, surviving family members, and service details.
- Confirm Service Information: Double-check dates, times, and locations for viewings, rosaries, and church masses. Errors published in print are costly and difficult to correct retroactively.
- Submit Photos and Tributes: High-resolution photographs (typically 300 dpi) reproduce best in print. Color photos and custom graphics may incur additional fees.
- Verify Deadlines: Daily newspapers operate on strict production schedules. Submissions usually need to arrive by mid-afternoon to appear in the following morning's print edition.
Researching Genealogy Through Local Death Records
For genealogists and historians, local death notices offer more than just dates. They map out family structures, migration patterns, and community involvement across the borderland region.
When tracking down genealogical data in El Paso, cross-reference newspaper notices with official civil documents. The Texas Department of State Health Services provides vital statistics for births, marriages, and deaths statewide, while the El Paso County Clerk manages local probate and cemetery records. Combining newspaper archives with county records fills in biographical gaps that simple dates miss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting a Notice
Submitting a death notice under emotional stress often leads to oversights. Avoiding common errors ensures the tribute is accurate and legally clear.
- Omitting Maiden Names: Failing to include a woman's maiden name makes it nearly impossible for distant relatives or old school friends to find the notice in search engines.
- Ignoring Formatting Limits: Submitting an excessively long biography can result in unexpected publication costs or forced editing by newspaper staff. Keep the text concise and focused on key milestones.
- Forgetting Service Details: Leaving out whether a service is private or public causes confusion for attendees. Always state clearly if flowers are welcome or if donations should go to a specific charity instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for an El Paso Times obituary from 20 years ago?
Recent digital archives go back quite far on Legacy.com, but for older records from decades past, you'll need to use the microfilm archives at the El Paso Public Library or digital newspaper databases like Newspapers.com.
Can I write my own obituary instead of using a funeral home template?
Yes. Families can write custom text and submit it directly to the newspaper's classified or obituary desk. However, the publication's editorial team will review the draft to ensure it meets their style guidelines and ethical standards.
How are obituary costs calculated?
Newspapers typically charge based on the length of the notice (word count or column inches), plus additional fees for photographs, special graphics, or extended publication runs across multiple days.
What should I do if there is an error in a published notice?
Contact the El Paso Times customer service or obituary desk immediately. While print corrections cannot always be made after the press run, online versions can usually be updated quickly.
