Mark Robinette Obituary: Uncovering Notable Keys and Important Information - A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide aims to help you effectively research and extract key information from the obituary of Mark Robinette. Understanding how to analyze an obituary can provide valuable insights into a person's life, relationships, accomplishments, and impact. This guide is designed for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge of genealogical research or obituary analysis.
Prerequisites:
- Access to the Obituary: You'll need access to the Mark Robinette obituary. This could be a printed copy from a newspaper, a digital version found online through newspaper archives, genealogy websites (like Ancestry.com, FindAGrave, or Legacy.com), or even a transcribed version shared by family.
- Basic Computer Literacy (If Searching Online): Comfortable using a web browser, search engines, and potentially creating free accounts on genealogy websites.
- Open Mind and Patience: Gathering information takes time and dedication. Be prepared to explore different sources and perspectives.
- Pen and Paper/Digital Note-Taking App: For jotting down key information, questions, and connections.
- Web Browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.): For online research.
- Search Engine (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo): For finding additional information about individuals, organizations, and locations mentioned in the obituary.
- Genealogy Websites (Optional but Recommended): Ancestry.com, FindAGrave, Legacy.com, FamilySearch.org can provide access to obituaries and related records. Note that some require paid subscriptions.
- Spreadsheet Software (Optional): Excel, Google Sheets, or similar can be used to organize information in a structured format.
- Obituary Not Found: Try different search terms (e.g., "Mark Robinette obituary [city, state]", "Mark Robinette [year of death]"). Check different genealogy websites. Contact local libraries or historical societies.
- Incomplete Information: Not all obituaries are comprehensive. Use other records to fill in the gaps.
- Conflicting Information: Cross-reference information from different sources to determine the most accurate details.
- Website Subscription Required: Many genealogy websites offer free trials or limited free access. Consider using these to access obituaries and records.
- Deciphering Handwriting: If the obituary is handwritten, try to transcribe it carefully. Enlist the help of someone with experience reading old handwriting.
Tools:
Numbered Steps:
1. Obtain and Read the Obituary Carefully: Locate the obituary and read it thoroughly, paying attention to every detail. Don't skim – each word can hold valuable clues.
2. Identify the Core Biographical Information: Extract the fundamental facts about Mark Robinette. This includes:
* Full Name: Confirm the correct spelling and any known nicknames.
* Date of Birth (DOB): This is crucial for finding related records.
* Date of Death (DOD): Essential for cross-referencing information.
* Place of Death: City, state, and sometimes even the specific facility (hospital, hospice).
* Place of Residence: Where Mark Robinette lived at the time of death.
3. Identify Family Members and Relationships: Obituaries typically list surviving family members. Note the following:
* Spouse/Partner: Full name (including maiden name if applicable) and marital status.
* Children: Full names, including spouses/partners if mentioned.
* Parents: Full names (including maiden names).
* Siblings: Full names.
* Grandchildren: Number of grandchildren and, if possible, their names.
* Other Relatives: Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews - pay attention to these as they can open new avenues of research.
* Predeceased Family Members: Note who died before Mark Robinette. This helps understand family history and potentially identify relationships further back.
4. Identify Education and Career Information: Look for details about Mark Robinette's education and professional life:
* Schools Attended: High school, college, university, trade schools.
* Degrees Earned: Specific degrees and fields of study.
* Occupation(s): Job titles, companies worked for, and any significant accomplishments in their career.
* Military Service: Branch of service, rank, dates of service, and any decorations or awards.
5. Identify Hobbies, Interests, and Community Involvement: This section often reveals the personality and passions of the deceased:
* Hobbies: Activities enjoyed in their leisure time (gardening, reading, sports, etc.).
* Interests: Subjects or areas that fascinated them (history, science, art, etc.).
* Organizations: Membership in clubs, associations, religious groups, or volunteer organizations.
* Community Involvement: Volunteering, activism, or other contributions to the community.
6. Analyze the Language and Tone: The way the obituary is written can reveal important information about Mark Robinette's character and the values of the family:
* Eulogies and Adjectives: Note the descriptive words used to describe Mark Robinette (kind, generous, intelligent, etc.).
* Anecdotes and Stories: Pay attention to any brief stories or anecdotes included in the obituary. These can provide valuable insights into their personality and relationships.
* Tone: Is the obituary formal or informal? Sentimental or matter-of-fact? This can reflect the family's personality and their relationship with the deceased.
7. Research Key Individuals, Organizations, and Locations: Use search engines and genealogy websites to find more information about the people, places, and organizations mentioned in the obituary. This can help you:
* Verify Information: Confirm the accuracy of the information presented in the obituary.
* Expand Your Knowledge: Learn more about the context of Mark Robinette's life.
* Identify Connections: Discover relationships between individuals and organizations.
8. Look for Additional Records: Use the information gathered from the obituary to search for other records, such as:
* Birth Certificates: Verify the date and place of birth.
* Marriage Certificates: Confirm marital relationships and dates.
* Death Certificates: Provide additional information about the cause of death.
* Census Records: Track Mark Robinette's residence and family members over time.
* Military Records: Obtain details about their military service.
* Newspaper Articles: Search for articles mentioning Mark Robinette or their family members.
9. Organize Your Findings: Use a pen and paper, a digital note-taking app, or a spreadsheet to organize the information you have gathered. This will help you make sense of the data and identify any patterns or connections.
10. Analyze and Interpret the Information: Once you have gathered and organized your findings, take the time to analyze and interpret the information. What does the obituary reveal about Mark Robinette's life, relationships, and accomplishments? What impact did they have on their family, community, and the world?
Troubleshooting Tips:
Summary:
Analyzing an obituary, like that of Mark Robinette, involves a systematic approach to extract key biographical information, family relationships, career details, community involvement, and personal characteristics. By carefully reading the obituary, researching related records, and organizing your findings, you can gain a deeper understanding of the individual's life and legacy. Remember to verify information from multiple sources and be patient in your research. This process offers valuable insights into the individual's life and their impact on the world around them.
