Death records are one of the first resources genealogists refer to when compiling a family tree. Death records include death certificates, obituaries, funeral cards, and death notices printed in newspapers. A death record is considered a [[primary source] for the date of death, cause of death, and burial, etc., but a [[secondary source]] for birth dates, birth place, and even for the names of parents, as this information is typically given my an [[informant]] at the time of death whom may or may not have the correct information.
Several U.S. states also have made available death indexes for various years.
