Hilarious Headstones: The People Who are Still Making Us Laugh… Even From the Grave

By: Lisa Lee | Last updated: Nov 20, 2023

Unless you have a truly macabre sense of humor, the last thing people think about when visiting a cemetery is laughter. It seems disrespectful to those buried in the ground for eternity and rude to the friends and loved ones visiting them while still alive. 

That being said, there is a place for laughter. If graveyards are places where the living can go to pay their respects to the dead, then a big part of that process may be remembering the dead’s sense of humor. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some funny headstones.

Afterlife scrabble

Although the headstone below is more heartfelt than laugh out loud funny, it’s worthy of wider attention. Clearly, Paul G Lind loved the game of Scrabble. 

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So, his loved ones gave him a proper send off by making his headstone a scrabble game that pays tribute to his likes and personality.

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Yeast won’t rise

Some names are made for jokes.. John Yeast is one such name. To pass on laying down a joke with a name like that wouldn’t be a sorely missed opportunity.

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Luckily, Mr. Yeast made sure to get a, well, rise out of those looking at his tombstone. The “pardon me” is a nice added touch.

Palm Readings

From the headstone below, we can guess three things about Rita: she loved diamonds, had a great sense of humor, and had an impeccable work ethic. 

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As you can see above, even though Rita is no longer with us, she’s willing to do her best to give palm readings at the bargain rate of $5! 

Accepting the inevitable 

George W. Jr preferred to accept the harsh realities of life and the inevitability of death. Jr. looked them square in the eye – and made a joke. 

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Don’t we all know it’s going to happen at some point. George made sure to engrave that knowing right on his triangular headstone. 

An electrifying idea

During his life, Sal Giardino was a man full of electrifying ideas. Unfortunately, one of those ideas might have ended his life

However, he didn’t let that bring him down. Instead, he used his profound (and macabre) sense of humor to create a headstone to commemorate his great love: holding bolts of electricity. 

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One way in, no way out

If you’re ever (accidentally or intentionally) driven down a one-way street, then you’ll know that, well, you probably shouldn’t have driven down that street.

However, once you’re there, there’s little you can do about it. The same applies to tombstones. It’s a one-way street with no way to reverse quickly before someone else comes. 

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No escape

Regardless of whether or not this headstone is real, it provides a good laugh and a fun pun. You may need to read it twice. 

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It seems “Noah Scape” was buried here. Or, wait, does that mean “no escape”? If it does, then the subtitle “always felt trapped” makes a lot of sense. 

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I’m with … 

Some couples love to wear matching clothes – shoes, pants, hats, or even novelty T-shirts like the infamous “Stupid” and “I’m with Stupid” combo. 

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Other couples like to take that same jokey vibe to the grave, so they can be jokily bonded forever. Also, they can provide a nice laugh for friends, family, and even strangers. 

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Deathly Art

There’s an art type for everyone. You can literally throw paint on a canvas and sell it for a pretty penny. Or even a banana duct-taped to a wall. There is no limit.

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So, making a work of art out of a headstone is the next big thing. This grave has to be a statement and something that will be considered art for millennia to come. Hopefully, there’s info about the person somewhere, like a name and dates. Either way, it will be talked about.

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We Love A Good Cat Lady

You’ve got to love a headstone where someone is ok with poking fun at themselves.

This one in particular is even topped with an adorable cat statue.

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The Truth Shall Set You Free

There’s nothing like an encouraging pep talk to help you get prepared for that next step in life. Even if that next step in life is actually when it’s over.

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A reminder of what’s to come can help put things in perspective. When you’re young, you’re invincible and have the whole world ahead of you. Suddenly, you wake up one day and you’re 85, wondering what happened to the time. Never look at an older person and laugh. That will be you one day. If you’re lucky.

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You Are What You Make Your Tombstone

Okay, living in a time in history where the rate of technological advances is off the charts has to be viewed as exciting. When the computer came out, that just accelerated everything.

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So, why not have a final monument to the life-altering invention? When you think about it, humans have always built statues and memorials of things and people they cared deeply about. Computers are just the most modern example. It’s just unfortunate this person had to pass away before the new thin monitors came out, but that’s another subject.

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Have A Seat

If you’re tightly attached to someone who has recently departed, the last thing you want to do is leave them. That’s what this person had in mind when they were making final arrangements.

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Technically, you can sit down and stay awhile now that there’s a couch. This isn’t just any couch, though. Not only is it stone, but it’s deep. That means you can curl up and perhaps even give a good read to the grave. A pillow is included. Could they have been more thoughtful? No.

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Win Some, Lose Some

When you know the end is near, that’s when you have the most clarity about life and the decisions you made while active in it. Some things went better than expected but some things did not. That’s life.

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What’s also life is having a good sense of humor. Sometimes you have to embrace a lighthearted approach to some dark topics. Just like this headstone did for death.

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Sing 'em Off

Bring the crowd together when they come back to see you for years to come with a little ditty we all know and can sing along with. Music is what brings people together and this is the feel-good tune that will warm the hearts of visitors who know you and don’t.

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It shows some character, too. You had some good humor and liked leaving on a memorable note. This headstone will be a talking point for this graveyard, forever and for always.

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Finally, Caught a Break

Parking can be one of the biggest pains, especially if you live in a big city. Not only can it be nearly impossible to find, but also off-the-charts expensive. Places like Chicago and New York City can cost upwards of $65 or more for one night’s use of a parking spot. That’s if you can hunt one down.

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Today, with all the apps and tracking, you’d think it would be much easier to get a spot, but no. Now, these two can rest eternally in the city of their choice in their own personal parking space.

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Was it Always a Mask?

A song by Christina Aguilera goes, “When will my reflection show who I am inside?” That is the vibe coming off of this headstone. Was the person buried trying to insinuate that they weren’t exactly sure what they were leaving behind?

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Were they trying to convey you don’t know who they really were? Perhaps they wanted to leave those who visit with a thought-provoking art piece. Whatever it was, we definitely have some thoughts. The kind of legacy you leave behind is all that is left, in the end.

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The Big Rest

It’s a story as old as humanity. A parent of young children can’t go to the bathroom without little feet following closely behind. You don’t even need human children for this, pets do just fine.

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The constant need to be in your business does not stop after childhood. Some kids stay nosey forever. This woman clearly had enough. After all these years of being hassled, Joan is ready to tuck in for the long sleep. Do not disturb. It’s in writing.

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Thoughtful Angel

“Where did I go wrong with this one,” Brusa’s angel pondered while peering into the grave. “Oh well, I have some time to think about it.” If you believe in reincarnation, this is an opportunity to plan better next time. This angel is going through all the things that happened in an effort to analyze the results.

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Was this what was wanted? Was there a better way to get to a better place? Maybe the angel is just lovingly watching over the person they guarded. There’s so much opportunity for interpretation here.

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In-person Summons

No need to wait until you get home to try and connect with the other side. This guy wants you to connect right where you are, no travel necessary. All you need to bring is something to move across the headstone.

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The real message here all along was to “Goodbye” in the bottom. This person wants to bid farewell to those who came to see them off. Also to all the future visitors.

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Killing Me Softly

When someone is constantly complaining about something to do with their body, mind, or soul, it might be a good time to listen. Of course, the hope here is that this is a funny way to see yourself out, but you really never know.

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On a side note, it would be a great thing to add to your headstone if you were a habitual wearer of high heels. Everyone knows how uncomfortable and damaging those things are. Weirdly, that never stops people passionate about shoes from donning them on a regular basis.

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Cheeky to the End

There has never been a more asked question in all humanity than, “What happens after life?” Unfortunately, it takes passing away to be able to answer that question.

So, that makes this headstone feel like a taunt from beyond the grave. Yes, we get it, you have all the answers. If you have some info, feel free to share it in the form of a dream or a ghostly visit, won’t you?

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Happy Life, Happy Wives

Everyone makes questionable choices. At some point, it’s painfully awkward when more unsavory decisions are made as opposed to productive ones. But when it’s all said and done, you might as well own up to the things that happened. After all, it’s your story now.

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This guy realized that and found a way to turn the situation into a poem. At least his nieces and nephews found a way to make his life lyrical. The best part is that they made a point to focus on the fact that he did have a good time living it up. In the end, that’s really what matters.

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McDonald's Cemetery

Who sponsored this graveyard? Anyone with the last name of Soda or Shake around?

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These two individuals probably did not know each other in life, but boy do they add a touch of whimsy to a place filled with sadness. What a catch.

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Will You Answer the Call?

If you have to be the one in charge of finding a way to properly remember a loved one, why not throw caution to the wind and do something fun? Kim’s family saw an opportunity and pounced on it. This is a fun tribute to someone that probably had a good sense of human and would have appreciated it.

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The image is also something of a time capsule, given the fact that no one has phones like that anymore. She was probably frequently seen in life using a phone and that warms the hearts of her family. Well done.

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I Told You So

We all know someone who is a know-it-all. Some people just can’t let things go. Although rare, that sentiment can be taken to the grave.

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To be fair, if you have told people a multitude of times that there was something wrong and you weren’t feeling well, it makes sense. You’re allowed one more time to rub it in that you were onto something. Being right and not being heard was what helped you get to this point in the first place. Perhaps it stands as a lesson for everyone going forward who catches a glimpse of this message.

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Gaming Into the Beyond

They say a love like this comes but once in a lifetime. So, even when your partner is gone, the game of love just sits idle.

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This couple was separated for almost nine years, but Sharol made sure to keep their favorite pastime part of their legacy. Is there a more playful headstone? Probably not. It’s unique and tells a story, that’s really all we can hope for when we’re gone. Even if the people visiting the grave have no clue who you are, they know something about you now.

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Honesty is the Best Policy

Teenagers are notorious for thinking everything is dumb. So, it seems quite fitting that this 16-year-old’s headstone had to have a snarky remark.

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One of the most popular movies of the 90s would still have been a big talking point when Micah was laid to rest. This is touching even more when you realize that the real line, about seeing dead people from The Sixth Sense, is more relevant now that they can.

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Get Off My Actual Lawn

Living only into your mid-40s is a bummer for anyone that misfortune comes to. So, if you have to go out midlife, you might as well leave others just as confused as you are about it.

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Is he fighting the inevitable by trying to break out of the grave? Is he about to yell at the youngsters for being too loud? Is he just taking a peek outside to see what he’s been missing out on? Hard to say but having people ponder on it will keep his memory alive well beyond what his condensed life allowed.

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These are the Facts

When things are going great, the last thing you want to do is permanently depart. Heck, even when things aren’t great you don’t want to go!

This person made it very clear where they rather be.

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Pity the Fool

If you have to go, you might as well have company, right? That’s what this guy does for the deceased located below. If you had to pick one person to keep you company into eternity, wouldn’t it be nice for that person to be a jokester? Certainly, that was the hope.

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A few jokes to help distract from the current predicament would be appreciated and might even help. Can this guy muster up some funnies or is he too sad about the departure to come up with anything? He definitely does not look like he’s in the mood.

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Bimmer and Beyond

There’s a love of cars and then there’s this. It’s not every day that a person makes the executive decision to take their car to their grave. When it comes to car collections, especially luxury brands, people get very passionate about their favorites.

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Some are eager to pay millions of dollars to get the specific year of a make and model from their dreams. This person was just not willing to part with their BMW, not in this life or the next. There’s no question about what was important to this person.

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Celebrate the Skiddley Jiddley Gees

The most fun people in life are the ones who invent words and make them part of their daily life.

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This man’s family truly appreciated the way he referred to things. His language made him extra special in their eyes, so they wanted to make sure others would know about it, too. This thoughtful headstone will be noticed by many as time marches forward.

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Tell Us How You Really Feel

If there was ever a great reminder to update a will, this is it. A message like this clearly was not written by the person who is deceased. Perhaps it was by an ex-spouse. This spouse was the executor of the will and in charge of things like the headstone.

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The person who died, like many of us, put off updating the will after a breakup. So, when the day came, the ex did not hold back. This is the last jab at the person who left, and it’s both sad and entertaining.

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Oh Fudge

There are some recipes that are so exclusive that the creator swears to take them to the grave. But not Kay. As a final gift to the world, she shared her fudge recipe.

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Not just to her family and friends, but literally anyone who passes by her physical resting place. Etched in stone, Kay put her whole recipe to ensure the creation of great fudge.

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Most Wonderful Cookie of the Year

How many tasty recipes are we missing out on by not touring graveyards? These cookies sound great and we can imagine them being served every year for decades with love and care.

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Everyone from far and wide looked forward to having one at Christmas. They were the statement piece of the party. Thanks for sharing, mom.

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Not What it Seemed

At first glance, you think this is going to be another play on words. Surely something funny is coming with a name like Dawn Under, no?

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Then, there’s a curveball that wasn’t expected. Oh my, what was going on here? Is it funny, or is it not? He told us once but I forgot. So tell us now, and tell us true, so we can know if we should laugh, too.

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Last Testament

Unfortunately, when you have children, you can’t get their opinions on anything beforehand. That includes whether or not they want to be here in the first place.

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Just as rudely, death does not consult them either. You have no say whether you’re here or when you want to go. Or how. Perhaps this Chattanooga citizen still found a way to make it worthwhile.

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Forward to 10 Friends Immediately

We’ve all seen the eerily dark message forwarding chains that promise an early demise or eternal bad luck if you don’t forward to your friends. Thankfully, a plethora of those passive-aggressive threats have simmered down over the years.

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Unfortunately, that hasn’t shut them down completely, but you have to believe we’re getting there. This poor person claims they met their ultimate demise by not forwarding the message.

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Too Far From Cairo

For as long as we can all remember, we’ve known about the famed pyramids of Giza. Their magnificence was saved for the gods incarnate. Not mere mortals. That doesn’t keep us lowly peasants from wanting one of our own. Does it?

As dreamy as it is to imagine being remembered in such a glorious and space-wasting way, could you imagine doing that for literally every person who passes? Or even just saving the honor for heroic people. There isn’t enough land to make that work. Perhaps a headstone will do for now.

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Mother of Priorities

This is a sweet testament to the chaos of life. No life fits into a perfectly shaped box with a bow on top. There’s messiness and at times discomfort. There’s also love. So much love comes in unexpected, unplanned ways.

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In having four girls, this person found beauty in what was given. You never know what’s around the corner, all you can do is react. How you react will be a testament to your experience. When you react with love, it’s love that you get back. How sweet.

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This Couple’s Got Jokes

We get the vibe this couple had a fun-loving relationship. This husband and wife duo took the expression “I told you I was sick.”  a step further and added a retort: “And I was sick of hearing it.”

Couples that laugh together definitely stay together.

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Keep On Smiling

One man decided not only to create a powerful message, but to turn it into a smiley face for added impact

Though the message may be harsh, you can’t help but smile when you look at this headstone.

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A Sweet Tribute

Although not a true headstone, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to showcase one fans tribute to star Elizabeth Montgomery.

This tribute perfectly captures Montogomery’s role as Samantha- a witch in Bewitched an American fantasy sitcom television series.

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Straight To The Point

We have got to respect the bluntness of this headstone. “Well this sucks” is clear, concise, and to the point!

You can’t really argue with a sentiment like this.

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What's So Funny?

I’m sure when this person agreed to have their initials put on their headstone back in the day they never thought today’s generation would get such a kick out of it.

Last century’s initials, this year’s Laugh Out Loud.

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Gotta' Keep Laughing

Life’s too short to be serious all the time…

and apparently that goes for death, too.

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When You Take Your Hobbies Seriously

“Finally a hole in one,” this funny fellow wrote on his headstone. This is exactly the sort of dry humor we’d expect from a golfer.

I wonder if this was his first, ever hole in one?

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Oh Well Whatever

Mrs. Lola lived to the ripe old age of 81. When it came time to fill out the paperwork for her headstone it’s hard not to get the feeling she was all out of deep insight.

“Oh Well What Ever” was all she had to say.

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R.I.P. Santa

We hate to imagine a world without the magic of Santa Claus, and we’re pretty sure his hypothetical passing would be an absolute travesty to any kids.

This would be a pretty evil prank to play on kids but it does make for a hysterical gravestone. Not to worry, kiddos. Santa is alive and well checking his list and checking it twice.

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Room for Rent

You have to applaud the creativity of this headstone. While it doesn’t tell us anything about whoever is laying in this resting place, the creativity speaks volumes.

This could be an ad for a real apartment in a city. We love the callout to the neighbors being “dead quiet”. Genius!

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A Pal

This is definitely not the first time someone has had a headstone created for a pet, but it might just be the most creative. Frosty had a long life of 11 years and we like to think it was a happy one so we can enjoy his humorous gravestone guilt-free.

Our favorite part has to be the distinguished photo of Frosty. His headstone is fancier than most humans! Simply, he was a pal and for that reason we hope he rests in peace.

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Alone At Last

We like to imagine the person resting here was a lovable grump based on the amazing line, “Now go away and leave me alone”. They finally got the peace and quiet they desired.

Not to mention the interesting architecture they’ve got going on. We hope they’re resting peacefully in that house.

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98 Years Strong

Whoever wrote this headstone definitely knows how to make us laugh. It’s giving us a plot twist we love.

While murder is no laughing matter, Samuel made it to age 98, against all odds. Bullets, bayonets, and beatings couldn’t take him down so he must have been one strong dude.

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Positivity Persists

Tony Owens must have been a real optimist in his time on earth. Yes, it does look bad Tony. We’re glad he can have a sense of humor, even from the grave.

We wouldn’t necessarily call dying a temporary setback. It’s kind of a permanent thing. But we love headstones like this that tell us so much about who these people were!

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Leave a Message After the Beep

Anyone waiting on Merv to respond to a message is going to be waiting a long time. By a long time, we mean forever.

Headstones like this use just the dark humor we know and love.

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Kicking the Habit

We’ve all had a bad habit that was difficult to kick. It looks like this person found the cure to quitting any bad habit: dying.

While it’s pretty extreme, it is effective. We’re sorry it took such an extreme measure for this person to kick the habit. But thanks for the funny headstone!

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Politics in the Afterlife

If we’ve learned anything, it’s that people put interesting things on their headstones. It looks to us like someone who didn’t know Bill that much wrote his gravestone.

Someone’s political beliefs seems like a random fact to put on someone’s resting place, but the random fact does make us giggle.

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Chatty Kathy

We love this commentary on Helly being a chatty Kathy. You have to appreciate this kind of humor.

She might have talked a lot of peoples’ ears off, but ironically, she is now out of breath.

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