Losing someone you care about is never easy. Whether you’re searching for a loved one’s obituary, honoring someone’s memory, or just offering condolences, the akron beacon journal obituaries are a trusted place people turn to in times like these.
As the main newspaper for Akron, Ohio, the akron beacon journal obituaries has served the community for generations. And its obituary section is more than just announcements—it’s a carefully written record of someone’s life, their journey, and the people they touched.
In this detailed and compassionate guide, we’ll explore how to read, write, search for, and understand the Akron Beacon Journal obituaries. We’ll also cover the tools the newspaper offers to help families during difficult times. If you’re seeking closure or curious on how to honor someone’s memory, this article is here to help you every step of the way.
What Are Akron Beacon Journal Obituaries?
The Akron Beacon Journal obituaries are published notices that pay tribute to those who have passed away in Akron and nearby communities. Each obituary is a public remembrance that usually includes the person’s name, age, date of passing, and details about their life.
These obituaries may also share:
- Funeral arrangements
- Personal accomplishments
- Names of close family members
- Places where donations can be made in honor of the deceased
Reading or writing an obituary can be emotional, but it also offers comfort while helping others stay informed about a loss.
Where to Find Akron Beacon Journal Obituaries Online
You can view the Akron Beacon Journal obituaries directly on the newspaper’s website. Just go to Legacy.com, which partners with many local papers, including the Akron Beacon Journal.
There, you’ll find:
- Daily updated obituaries
- A searchable archive of names
- Guest books to share messages or memories
- Photos and links to funeral home notices
You can type in a loved one’s name, browse by date, or scroll through recent listings. Each entry helps paint a picture of a life well-lived—and offers a space for others to share their thoughts and condolences.
Why Obituaries Are So Important
The obituary section is more than just news—it’s part of a community’s heartbeat. The Akron Beacon Journal obituaries allow families to publicly share their loss while also celebrating someone’s life story.
These notices help:
- Announce passing to people near and far
- Keep friends or relatives informed when funeral details change
- Offer a written tribute for history and family records
- Give people a place to share kind words and memories
Obituaries help make loss feel less lonely. It’s comforting to see familiar names and know others are also honoring that life.
How to Search for Someone in Akron Beacon Journal Obituaries
Looking up a specific obituary is easy. Just visit the Akron Beacon Journal obituary section on the website and use the built-in search tools. You can filter by:
- Name
- Date of death
- Location
- Keyword
For example, you can search “John Smith, Akron, 2023” and see matching results. If you’re unsure of the spelling or date, try just entering a last name or using only part of the name.
This helps reconnect old friends, distant relatives, or past co-workers with important life updates they may have missed.
How to Write an Obituary for the Akron Beacon Journal
Writing an obituary doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. The Akron Beacon Journal obituaries page offers clear instructions for submitting a notice. Start by calling the newspaper’s obituary line or heading to Legacy.com, where you can submit your text directly.
Here’s what a typical obituary includes:
- Full name and age of the deceased
- Date and location of passing
- A short life story and accomplishments
- Family members (living and deceased)
- Details about services (time, place, funeral home)
- Where to send flowers or memorial donations
Keep the tone respectful, loving, and informative. Review it carefully before submitting, and don’t be afraid to add personal touches like nicknames or favorite hobbies—it makes the tribute feel real.
Cost of Publishing in Akron Beacon Journal Obituaries

There is a cost to publish obituaries in the Akron Beacon Journal, like most print and online newspapers. The price typically depends on:
- Length of the obituary
- How many days it runs
- Whether you include a photo
- Online-only vs. print + online options
The minimum price may start at around $100 and go up from there. You can call the obituary desk or visit the online portal to get an estimated quote. Many funeral homes will help you write and submit the notice as part of their services, so ask about that too.
Can You Leave Messages and Condolences Online?
Yes! One great feature of the Akron Beacon Journal obituaries online listing is the guest book section. This is where friends and family can post kind words, stories, or short prayers.
Messages can be simple or detailed. Even if you didn’t know the person very well, sharing support or a favorite memory helps loved ones feel surrounded by warmth during tough days.
You can also upload a photo, send gifts (like virtual candles or flowers), and view others’ messages. It’s a way for the online community to come together in shared loss and hope.
Akron Funeral Homes and Their Role
Many local funeral homes work closely with the Akron Beacon Journal to help families publish obituaries. These funeral homes often include:
- Billow Funeral Homes
- Hummel Funeral Homes
- Anthony Funeral Homes
- Hopkins Lawver Funeral Homes
When working with these providers, they will often write the first draft, help with submission, and handle printing and billing.
If you want your obituary included in the Akron Beacon Journal, just let the funeral director know. They’ll be happy to guide you through the full process from start to finish.
Obituary Archives for Historical Research
Looking up old Akron Beacon Journal obituaries can be helpful for family tree research, genealogy, or finding long-lost friends. Legacy.com and the newspaper’s own archive let you look back years and even decades into the past.
This historical search helps you learn about your roots, read about family members who passed before you were born, or even reconnect with someone’s story.
You can filter by decade, location, or name. If you’re building a family record or memorial album, these archives are a valuable place to start.
Newspaper vs. Online Only Obituaries
While the print version of the Akron Beacon Journal obituaries is available in the paper every day, many families go with the online-only posts due to lower prices and wider reach.
Online-only obits on Legacy.com:
- Stay up longer
- Include clickable guest books
- Share better on social media
- Offer links to donations or funeral livestreams
Depending on your budget, you can decide to print your full notice in the newspaper or just use the web edition that reaches more people digitally. Either way, the message stays strong.
Tips for Creating a Meaningful Obituary
Want to make your listing in the Akron Beacon Journal obituaries more special? These tips can help:
- Use a tone that reflects the person’s personality.
- Add light, happy stories that celebrate their joy.
- Don’t worry about big, fancy writing—just write from the heart.
- Share things they loved (fishing, baking, family events).
- Include what made them unique or beloved in their community.
The best obituaries help people picture the smile, hear their laugh, or remember the warmth of a hug. It’s about capturing the spirit behind the name.
Memorial Services and Community Support
The obituary is just the beginning of the farewell process. After publishing in the Akron Beacon Journal obituaries, many families organize memorial services, charity donations, or community prayer nights.
Popular local locations for memorial events include:
- Summit County churches
- Funeral home chapels
- Community centers
- Parks or family homes
Check if the obituary includes details on open services, livestreams, or where to send flowers. Some families also request donations in lieu of floral gifts to special causes their loved one supported.
FAQs
1. Where can I read Akron Beacon Journal obituaries?
You can find them in the local newspaper or online at Legacy.com, which is partnered with the Akron Beacon Journal.
2. How do I write and submit an obituary?
You can write your own and submit it online, or ask your funeral home to help with writing and publishing.
3. Is there a charge to post an obituary?
Yes, there is usually a charge based on length, layout, and how many days it’s published. Prices typically begin at around $100.
4. Can I include a photo in the obituary?
Yes. Most online listings let you upload photos. It may cost extra for print publication.
5. Can people leave messages or condolences?
Absolutely. Online obituaries often include a guestbook where people can leave kind words and share stories.
6. How far back do Akron Beacon Journal obituaries go?
You can access obituaries from years or even decades ago using the online archives on Legacy.com or the newspaper’s website.
Final Thoughts
The Akron Beacon Journal obituaries give us a beautiful way to remember loved ones, share their stories, and stay connected during times of loss. Whether you’re visiting the section to say goodbye, honor a memory, or help someone else through grief, these short stories are packed with love, lessons, and legacy.
They remind us that every life matters, every person is unique, and sharing a few kind words can help heal even the saddest hearts.
If you need to write, read, or share an obituary, don’t wait. Reach out to the Akron Beacon Journal or their online partners today. And most of all, don’t forget that remembering someone is one of the most powerful ways to keep them alive in our hearts.
