The Funniest Headstones Of All Time May Send You To An Early Grave

John Yeast just couldn't leave this world without throwing an amusing food pun on his tombstone for everyone to enjoy. Rest assured, everyone who has read this has almost certainly pardoned the man. It's really the yeast we could do.

People always said that Mitchell liked to tell it like it was, and nothing changed once he made it to the afterlife. He certainly didn't mince words when it came to sharing his catchphrase on his gravestone! Major kudos on taking the sting out of a sucky situation.

Good ol' uncle Walter clearly had things sussed. And his headstone proves that a life of luxury isn't necessarily what you need to find true happiness. Sometimes all it takes is a stiff drink in hand and the people you love by your side. Good for you, Walter!

The message here is perhaps not that surprising when you're six feet under, but this person wanted everyone to know the cold dark truth of the whole burying thing. Maybe their loved ones should've buried them with a nightlight. It could've been a symbolic—and useful—gesture. Who's to say? The afterlife is one big mystery, after all!

We all have that one friend who worries that even the slightest symptom is a more ominous sign. Well, this person decided to add some light-heartedness to their family's future cemetery trips. Let's just hope it struck the right chord and hasn't left them wondering whether that stubbed toe really was the final nail in the coffin. 

At least this headstone is brutally honest about what happened to Lawrence. Hopefully, his wife wasn't actually the cause of his demise, but she certainly wanted the world to know he was a ladies' man. Looks like she had the last laugh. Sorry Lawrence, but your wooing days are behind you.

This one is a sentiment we're sure everyone can relate to. No one likes being woken up from their beauty sleep, right? Now there's probably not much chance of having to face Joan's wrath if you do manage to wake her, but it's probably best not to find out. That's right, step away from the headstone.

The person laid to rest here must have been a psychic based on their unique Ouija board headstone. Or maybe they just had a wicked sense of humor. Either way, it's probably safe to assume that they're open to being summoned. Grab some candles and let's make this a seance!

With the perfect balance of cutting wit and sentiment, this headstone speaks to the struggles any father must face when having to share the bathroom with a house full of women. He clearly made sure not to let the chaos of his morning routine get in the way of his paternal affections, though.

We can only hope that Susan's beloved feline friends had nothing to do with her passing. What we do commend, however, is her dedication to those lovable kitties right into the afterlife. No speaking about your love of dogs around this headstone — it looks like Mittens up top is ready to pounce.

Any fan of comedy surely remembers the great Leslie Nielsen from his roles in the Naked Gun films. Apparently, Nielsen loved gags about flatulence, and he knew this would be the quote on his grave. Even after he left, he still knew how to make people smile.

With just one word, this headstone leaves anyone who enjoys a cold brew on a hot summer day in stitches! Of course, Beer is probably the last name of whoever was laid to rest here, but it's impossible not to look at this headstone and toast to the departed anyway. Bottoms up!

Kay may have kept it under wraps her whole life, but now it seems like she wants to pass on her treasured recipe for friends and family — and whoever reads her headstone — to enjoy. Kay may be gone, but her recipe will live on forever!

This person sure says it straight. And frankly, they're probably voicing what everyone else buried nearby would say if they could communicate from beyond the grave. If they wanted their message to be blunt, then they've certainly succeeded. Fingers crossed that whatever was waiting on the other side was a little less rubbish.

If anyone was consulted before they came into the world, they might go about their lives in a different manner. Of course, once you're here, death never waits for your consent before knocking on the door. Shame there's no permission slip...

If anyone has any lingering doubts about what's waiting on the other side, then this headstone might help. Its owner's thoughts on the matter are pretty clear, at least. One thing's for sure — there's no return ticket for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Reader beware: this one is a dead end!

Well, they might have been over their heads in debt at the end, but hey, that's one of the positives about death: you don't need to carry on making any payments once you're gone. We're sure Mastercard and Visa will rip up the IOU.

"We're going to need a bigger casket." No, but seriously, how is it even possible to not start humming the Jaws theme song every time anyone walks by this headstone? Lester knew what he was doing.

Ever wished your other half would just let up their nagging for one minute? It seems this husband took things a step further by immortalizing their special bond — and his love of peace and quiet — in a unique way. Fingers crossed this comment or his beloved didn't come back to haunt him.

People? Yes. Chocolate? Nope. This person sure had their priorities straight. Let's just hope they're indulging in a gigantic, all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet right now. There wouldn't be any health consequences: Heaven is nothing if not the one place you can gorge on chocolate without a care in the non-mortal world.

One would think that notorious gunslinger Robert Clay Allison, who even had a few run-ins with Wyatt Earp, would've met his maker during a gunfight — but it was a fatal tumble from a wagon that finally did him in. Luckily, this epitaph does justice to his tough-guy persona.

Looks like B. P. Roberts got the last laugh with this one. Now when anyone else in his family so much as sneezes, everyone is going to take it very seriously, indeed. That Thanksgiving dinner sure will be fun. Just make sure you haven't got the sniffles when it gets to the big day.

Irish housewife Ellen Shannon met a tragic end caused by what was supposedly "non-explosive" lamp fluid. Her family used her headstone to publicly shame the company responsible, R.E Danforth, for this deadly case of false advertising.

It's never too late to make a pun about hunting and hip-hop. Here's to hoping you've made it safely to the land of bucks and honey. Where camo is cool and doe-eyed DJs are spinning all your favorite jams.

Poor Esther would've rather been the one reading her headstone than lying underneath it. Then again, that's probably how most people would feel after they've gone. Maybe Esther is reading this... only from a better place?

With a name like this, we're pretty impressed this family had the, um, guts to erect this tombstone. Maybe it was just a coincidence, or maybe not. Either way, if they weren't true to themselves in life, at least they are being true to themselves in death.

If video games have taught us anything, it's that this guy will respawn soon enough. It's comforting to know that even in death, IT guys will have a pun or joke to share about technology.

Constance is already planning ahead with this lighthearted message. She's clearly not worried about meeting her demise. Whenever it comes, she'll be prepared... with a bit of gallows humor!

This really makes you wonder what exactly happened to Pancrazio that brought him to his final resting place. Whatever it was, it seems like his family were able to keep things lighthearted after he'd gone. Either that or they've left a lasting message for all future tinkerers. DIY-wannabes take note. 

They asked her to repeat the recipe every year anyway, so this is just as well. Can you imagine people running out to the cemetery in aprons to copy down the recipe? Hopefully, they at least bring her back a few cookies.

Either Kelly was a cheeky fellow, or he had a few enemies in his life. But even if you didn't like his fiddling, what a way to kick a man while he's down, eh? If you don't have anything nice to say, why not just a simple R.I.P?

The phrase "digging yourself out of debt" comes to mind. There is no date on the grave marker, but it really does make you wonder: where and when was this person from, and how exactly did they settle debts there?

This individual was not afraid to make a statement about the irony of his time serving in the United States military. This brave man faced many hardships, no doubt, and he wasn't going to let anyone forget about them. A valiant choice that will immortalize his courage for a long time to come.

Media personality Merv Griffin popularized the catchphrase "I'll be right back after these messages" on The Merv Griffin Show, and he made a nod to this on his headstone. Unlike the well-known phrase, Merv made it perfectly clear that the show of life would not making a surprise re-airing any time soon.

The perfect mix of arty and honest — the owner of this grave wanted to make one thing very clear; spelling and the afterlife can go hand-in-hand. That's one way to stand out from the cemetery crowd.

This one speaks to all of the curious people out there. Will your life flash before your eyes? Are those gates really pearly? Is there an endless supply of all your favorite foods? Seems like this person wanted to taunt their family and friends from beyond the grave. At least there's something to look forward to, eh?

What are the chances of a surname so befitting of the situation? Poor Henry Deadman — the one time his name made perfect sense, and he wasn't around to appreciate the coincidence. At least passers-by can take a moment to enjoy it, though.

Mel Blanc was an American voice actor who gave life to many beloved Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig. His headstone is an ode to all the years of laughter he brought to TV viewers everywhere. That's not all this headstone offers, though. Eagle-eyed readers probably spotted that etching at the top. Turns out there's actually a lot more going on than just a poignant message to his fans.

Take a stroll through a cemetery, and you might see a laugh-out-loud joke like the ones we've covered. Or, you could spot a mysterious marking. While some of these intricate symbols make a lot of sense, others appear more out of place. And as it happens, almost all of those carvings have powerful meanings you should know about.

Compared to some other gravestone markings out there, the clasped hands symbol isn’t particularly rare. But it can still be interpreted in a few different ways. It may be a simple goodbye to the deceased, or a message of solidarity beyond death. And, of course, it could well be a touching tribute to the love between a couple.

Know your Bible passages? Then you may recall John 1:29, which says, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” That line is in reference to Jesus Christ, which explains why you may come across images of lambs at burial plots. The animal also denotes virtue and goodness, making it a moving sight on children’s headstones.

An hourglass symbol can be looked at in two very different ways. The first simply signifies death: basically, the deceased’s time is up. The second meaning, however, is much less morbid. It’s a sign of resurrection, as when you flip an hourglass upside down, you’ve essentially reset it. Pretty clever, right?

In Victorian times, lilies were the go-to choice for funeral flower arrangements. Back then, you see, the beautiful bloom represented the cleansing of a person’s spirit after they’d passed away. And by extension, a lily symbol on a headstone denotes virtue and integrity.

At first glance, a bridge symbol on a tombstone might seem a little random. But it’s surprisingly meaningful and actually makes a lot of sense. You see, the structure is supposed to signify the crossing from life to death. Plus, it can also be looked upon as a physical embodiment of time – a route from the past into the future.

Stag symbols carry numerous connotations if you spot one on a gravestone, ranging from knowledge to strength. The animal was a popular choice in the past too, with Christians from the Middle Ages regarding it as a sign of peace and virtue. And the horns have been compared to limbs upon the Tree of Life, so it could represent rebirth as well. That’s a lot to take in!

In terms of meaning, circular headstone symbols are quite simple to understand. Yes, the shape denotes infinity, and it has done for centuries. Yet there are many different types of circle on display today. For instance, some might be cut into the stone, leaving a hole behind. Then again, a collection of words or a flat plate could also form the circles.

Daffodil carvings are beautiful to look at, but why are they carved into certain gravestones? Well, the flower has been known to represent concepts such as resurrection and starting from scratch. Alongside that, daffodils can be interpreted as signs of dreams or devotion as well. They’re not just there for decoration!

If you ever see an eagle carved into a headstone, don’t take it at face value. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the person was an animal lover! Instead, this majestic bird is usually interpreted as a sign of bravery and eternal life. On top of that, eagles are associated with rebirth in the Christian religion too.

Boat symbols on gravestones might not look particularly meaningful, but appearances can be deceptive. These carvings actually carry several different connotations, such as feelings of safety. If life is like an ocean, boats protect us from the ever-changing waves along the way. In other cases, the craft could signify financial gain as well.

Hand symbols can be pretty prominent around gravestones – especially those that point up or down. What do they mean, though? Let’s start with the former. These carvings denote the idea of living on after you’ve passed away, or being allowed into heaven. As for the latter, it might indicate that the person died without warning.

Foxes are well known for their street smarts out in the wild, so their carvings on headstones reflect that as well. Yes, they represent intellect and craftiness. But the markings can also be interpreted in another way. You see, ancient stories from Finland suggest that fox depictions are analogous to overcoming hatred and physical power using your grey matter. Intriguing stuff, wouldn’t you say?

Depending on what you believe, there might already be an obvious connection between death and gateways. On that note, when the latter is carved into a tombstone, it carries a very similar meaning. Simply put, the gates signify an opening to a new plane of existence, whether that’s heaven or another heady realm.

When farmers died in the past, members of their family would receive a gift to commemorate the occasion. Yes, they were handed corn sheaves. Now, that tradition has led to carvings of the aforementioned grain on headstones for departed crofters. You’re unlikely to see the marking on any other grave in the cemetery.

Unlike some other carvings out there today, butterfly designs carry fairly straightforward meanings. They can range from signs of regeneration to the “natural cycle” of life. Plus, the eye-catching insect could be looked upon as a physical representation of a person’s spirit too. They’re often located upon a child’s gravestone.

Who doesn’t love oak trees? They’re quite a sight to behold in the great outdoors! But their leaves carry a lot of symbolism when carved into tombstones. It’s a sign of prestige, robustness and eternal life. And in addition to that, the acorn by itself denotes virility – as well as life.

Scroll symbols are pretty intriguing, right? Could they hint that a writer or scribe is buried in the ground below? Well, not quite. You see, these markings are held to denote concepts of both time and life. Specifically, each unperused rolled-up end of the scroll represents how the duration of a person’s lifespan can’t be predicted. Meanwhile, if the manuscript is being gripped, that symbolizes that an ethereal presence, such as an angel, is watching over your activities.

On their own, carved stars can signify eternal life and aspirations on tombstones. But did you know that different religions utilize specific designs? For instance, “the five-pointed star” is a Christian symbol, denoting the wounds of Jesus Christ before his death. Then, there’s the six-sided shape found in Judaism, Hinduism and other religions from the Orient. Viewed one way, each half is an equilateral triangle, with one inverted and intersecting the other; this is held to depict the relationship between the deity and humans.

The poppy is among the most eye-catching flowers in the world thanks to its bright-red tone. Yet despite that, the plant is largely associated with death when it’s carved into a headstone. Mind you, the symbol does have additional connotations as well. Yes, it’s also a sign of peace and solace for the deceased.

No, a key carving on a gravestone doesn’t necessarily mean that a locksmith is buried below. In fact, the symbol represents the idea of mystic wisdom. That’s cool! Plus, should the keys be gripped by an angel in the markings, that signifies that the person’s spirit will be allowed into heaven.

On certain tombstones, you might catch sight of an opened book carved into the surface. Normally, these designs denote the deceased’s religious beliefs, as the tome stands in for the Bible. The image can signify memories and prayers too, so there’s quite a bit to unpack with this particular symbol.

In Greek mythology, owls were often linked to one of the goddesses. Of course, we’re referring to Athena – Greece’s goddess of wisdom. And the Roman deity associated with the trait, Minerva, was also represented by this feathered friend. As a result of that, the majestic birds are seen as the perfect symbolic representatives of intelligence and sagacity. So yes, that meaning carries over into the gravestone carvings.

Dogs may be a man’s best friend, but their appearance on headstones doesn’t always have positive connotations. During medieval times, the lovable animal would usually be carved into the surface with a lady standing above them. This signified their devotion to the deceased and their positions on the “chivalric” totem pole – right at the bottom! Now, canines pop up on graves for beloved owners.

In England, the Tudor rose is considered to be the country’s de facto crest. Why does it appear on certain gravestones, though? Well, the answer’s pretty simple. In most cases, the symbol marks the resting place of someone with English heritage. Meanwhile, some designs also include stars in the background.

Christian artwork often depicted the likes of St. Maurice, St. George and St. Martin riding horses. It was a simple way of paying the deceased respect. The saints were known for their kindness and bravery, but those features soon became symbolic with the equine animals in the pictures. Due to that, the aforementioned connotations remain the same with horse carvings on tombstones.

Angelic headstones are fairly common, yet they don’t all hold the same meaning. For instance, if you see one that depicts several figures in a group, that denotes heaven. Then again, a sobbing angel carving suggests that the deceased passed away suddenly. And as for those hugging or being held by the ethereal spirits, that’s a sign that the person is getting taken to the afterlife. There’s so many of them!

Looking at it from a purely decorative standpoint, grape carvings in gravestones are visually attractive. Do they hold a specific meaning, though? In short – yes! The fruit denotes affluence and virility, while a different idea suggests that the symbol is a stand-in for Jesus Christ. Talk about varying interpretations.

Let’s be honest here – crop symbols on headstones aren’t the most obviously attractive of decorations. Why would someone opt for that design? Well, the plants signify rebirth. On top of that, they represent a person’s life cycle and seasonal changes too. So there’s more to the wheat than meets the eye.

Unsurprisingly, the sight of a carved child on a gravestone can be pretty upsetting. Should the kid have a skull in their hands, that indicates that a youngster is resting in that spot. But if the symbol includes them standing over an adult, that could mean a mom or dad has been buried there instead.

Back in the medieval times, it was strongly believed that a person’s spirit was gripped in place by an internal “golden chain.” Keeping that in mind, there are tombstones that display such shackles carved into the surface. But their parts might be shattered, signifying the end of the connection for the deceased.

In Greek mythology, the phoenix was a bird that could bring itself back to life. Keeping that in mind, carved symbols of the creature have the same symbolic meaning, signifying rebirth. Along with that, the tombstone image can also be interpreted as a sign of honesty when referring to the deceased.

If you spot a tree design on a gravestone, you might be surprised to hear that it holds two solid meanings. The first is security, which comes from the overhanging branches and leaves. As for the second, the image signifies everlasting life. After all, trees are symbols of comparative permanence and the plants usually outlive us humans.

You’ve no doubt heard “alpha” and “omega” at some point in your life, but do you know what they actually are? On the surface, they’re the opening and closing letters of Greece’s alphabet. Beyond that, though, alpha and omega can be utilized as titles for both God and Jesus Christ. On that note, it should come as no surprise that the letters appear on certain gravestones.

Sometimes, a carved gravestone symbol can be taken at face value without worrying about different connotations. Let’s use tools as an example. Should you spot a design that includes a hammer or a chisel, there’s a good chance that the deceased utilized them while they were alive. The individual likely worked with their hands.

Dragonfly carvings are as eye-catching as they come, mirroring the insects upon which they’re based. Symbolically, the markings represent happiness and metamorphosis. Meanwhile, certain Native American circles believe that free spirits are signified by the sight of dragonflies. It’s interesting stuff. Japan has embraced them as well – the bug forms part of the country’s national crest.

When it comes to carved hearts, some of the symbolism isn’t that difficult to grasp. Yes, the design signifies affection and life itself. But alongside that, it can also denote bravery and intellect. Plus, a heart on a tombstone could serve to highlight the impermanence of a human’s time alive.

If you live in the Mediterranean, you may well have spotted palm branch carvings around headstones. The symbol has traveled beyond that part of the world since its creation, yet what does it mean? Well, the branches of the tree symbolize peace, success, supremacy and immortality. That’s quite a line-up, right?

Yes, anchors mainly appear on tombstones marking a mariner’s grave. But away from that, the carvings can pop up on other gravestones too. In those cases, the metal weights can signify aspirations and loyalty. And here’s something else to consider – Christians from the past dressed their crosses up to look like the heavy metal objects to avoid unwanted attention.

Serpent symbols on gravestones can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt. Simply put, they denote “life and health.” Mind you, that’s not the only meaning to be gleaned from the carvings. If the reptile is seemingly devouring its tail, that signifies infinity, or everlasting life. It’s a loop with no end!

Out in the wild, lions are considered to be the kings of the jungle. And they serve an equally heady position when carved into gravestones. You see, the animals represent God’s strength, keeping malevolent forces away from the deceased. The designs indicate that the person who passed was brave and resolute too – just like the big cats.