Honestly, there’s something about a morning paper that just feels permanent. In a world where everything is a fleeting 15-second clip or a disappearing story, the obituaries Dallas Morning News section stands as a rare, unmoving record of who we were. It’s not just about death; it’s about the narrative of North Texas.
You’ve probably been there—scrolling through the digital feed or flipping those thin, gray pages, looking for a name you recognize. Maybe it’s a former teacher from Highland Park, a local business owner who ran a shop in Deep Ellum for forty years, or a neighbor you used to wave to in Plano.
These notices are the heartbeat of the city.
What You’re Actually Looking For
When people search for obituaries Dallas Morning News, they aren't just looking for a date of death. They’re looking for the "Guest Book." They want to see what people said. They want to know where the memorial is happening at Restland or Sparkman/Hillcrest.
Most of the time, you'll find these stories hosted through a partnership with Legacy.com, which the paper has used for years. It’s a hybrid system. You get the classic, authoritative print version, but the online side allows for photos, long-form tributes, and that digital guest book where old friends from high school suddenly pop up to share a memory from 1974.
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The Cost of Saying Goodbye (The Real Numbers)
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price. Placing a notice isn't exactly cheap, and it’s not a flat fee. The Dallas Morning News (DMN) usually bills by the line.
- Basic notices: Start around $175 for the most minimal text.
- Photos: Adding a picture—which everyone should do because it makes the tribute feel alive—adds to that cost significantly.
- Duration: Are you running it for one day (Sunday is the most expensive) or a multi-day package?
If you're trying to save a bit of cash, keep the word count tight. Use abbreviations for states or months. But honestly, most families I talk to end up spending between $400 and $900 for a substantial tribute that includes a photo and a decent life story. It’s an investment in a family's history.
Deadlines: Don't Get Caught Out
Timing is everything. If you miss the window, you're waiting another 24 to 48 hours, which can be a nightmare when you're trying to coordinate a funeral.
For a Sunday publication—the one everyone sees—the deadline is usually Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
For a Monday paper, you’ve got until Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
For the rest of the week (Tuesday through Saturday), the cutoff is typically 3:00 p.m. the day before.
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You can reach the obit desk directly at 214-977-8672 or email them at obituaries@dallasnews.com. They’re generally pretty helpful, but they are busy, so having your text ready to go is a lifesaver.
Digging into the Past: The Archives
One of the coolest things about the obituaries Dallas Morning News ecosystem is the archive. If you're a genealogy nerd or just trying to find an old family record, the SMU libraries and the Dallas Public Library have digital access to the historical archives going back to 1885.
The modern digital archive (roughly 1997 to now) is much easier to navigate online. However, if you're looking for something from, say, 1954, you’re going to be looking at the historical database. It’s a trip to see how the language has changed. Back then, they were "death notices"—short, clinical, and tucked away. Today, they are "Celebrations of Life."
Why It Still Matters
Some people argue that social media has replaced the newspaper obituary. I don't buy it. A Facebook post is great for immediate news, but a published notice in the DMN is a matter of public record. It’s what librarians, historians, and future generations will look at.
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It’s the difference between a post-it note and a monument.
Actionable Next Steps for Families
If you are currently tasked with writing or placing a notice, here is exactly how to handle it without losing your mind:
- Check with the Funeral Home: Most Dallas-area funeral homes (like those in the Dignity Memorial network) will handle the submission for you. They have direct portals and can often bundle the cost into your overall bill.
- Draft Offline: Don't write the tribute in an email draft or a web form. Use a Word doc or Google Doc. Check the spelling of every single grandkid's name. Seriously.
- The "Photo" Rule: Use a photo where the person is smiling. It doesn't have to be a professional headshot. A cropped photo from a family BBQ often captures the "vibe" of a person much better than a stiff portrait.
- Verify the Link: Once it's live on the DMN website, grab the Legacy.com link and share that on social media. That way, people have a central place to leave comments and find the service directions via Google Maps.
North Texas changes fast, but our need to remember doesn't. Whether you're looking for a friend or planning for a loved one, the obituaries Dallas Morning News remains the definitive ledger for the people who built this city.
Next Steps for You:
If you're ready to start writing, gather the full names of all survivors and the specific service details (time, date, and location) before you call the obituary desk. Having these details verified beforehand will prevent costly correction fees later.