J. Lawrence "Clem" Urey

J. Lawrence (“Clem”) Urey, 89, Sandy Lake, passed away peacefully at Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community (Meadville) on Sunday, Nov. 23, after a period of declining health.

Born Aug 29, 1936, on the Urey family homestead in Millcreek Township, he was the beloved son of Cedric and Laura “Goldie” (Deel) Urey.

Lawrence married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Dona Jean Harrison, on Sept. 27, 1958. The couple, who were married 60 years until Dona Jean passed on Oct. 2, 2018, are now reunited in heaven.

He is survived by three children: Col (R) Ronda Urey (Edward Rios) of Carlisle, PA, Steven (Shelby) of Sandy Lake, and Karen Shaw (Gary) of Palm Coast, FL.

Lawrence is also survived by his grandson Ryan Rios (Sage) and five step-grandchildren: Dustin (Ashley) Shaw and Garrett (Samantha) Shaw, as well as Jennie San Nicolas, Shirrie Serrioz (Mark), and Millie Hannah. There is one great grandchild (on the way) and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law Dana and her husband, Carl “Dick” Marsteller, plus several nieces and nephews.

Lawrence was the last surviving member of his family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers (Paul and Kirk) and his sister Alice (Frank) Vehar.

Lawrence was a 1954 graduate of Sandy Lake High School, serving as class president. Dona, who he had dated since 10th grade after she asked him to the Sadie Hawkins Day dance, was also a 1954 graduate of SLHS.

“Clem”, as he was fondly known, was an outstanding athlete, lettering in both baseball and basketball for Sandy Lake High School. This served him well in his chosen career as a tree trimmer for Davey Tree and later as a lineman for Penn Power.

Following retirement from Penn Power, Lawrence served as Millcreek Township Supervisor for many years. Forever “checking the roads,” Clem continued that task for many more years, riding his “mule” utility vehicle all around the local roads and wooded areas. A favorite date night for “Lawrence and Dona Jean” as they called each other, was a Saturday evening ride to the back dam in the Urey Swamp, with favorite four-legged family member Maggie following along.

Lawrence and his bride raised their family just down the road from the Urey homestead, which had been in the family since the Revolutionary War.

Despite his physically demanding work, Dad always found time for a late afternoon baseball game with his children and any neighborhood kids who happened to be around, serving as pitcher every day for years.

The games had another purpose, though. Dad used them to build character and focus in his children. Though he guided more than dictated, no one wanted to disappoint Dad. He never took shortcuts and he always led by example. These characteristics have stood them well throughout their lives and are now passed on to the next generation.

Though he didn’t stray far from where he grew up, Lawrence had a deep knowledge of the land, gained from years of roaming through the fields and swamp. His stewardship of the land resulted in the Urey Swamp being named in the County’s Natural Heritage Inventory as “arguably the best example of a hemlock swamp in Mercer County,” according to the state natural heritage program.

He also cooperated with his neighbors, allowing them to farm the fields so that they did not fallow. Everyone in the neighborhood benefited from this generosity and lifelong friendships were formed.

Clem knew every inch of the woods and the bottomlands in the area and was an excellent hunter, bagging a deer every year for decades. He spent many seasons hunting with his brother-in-law Dick, lifelong friend JB (Jelly Bean) Reed, son Steven (who he nicknamed “Joe”), and the rest of the gang out in the Urey Swamp.

Clem also enjoyed turkey hunting in Potter County, bear hunting in Allegheny National Forest, and elk hunting in northwestern Colorado.

Jim (as he was rarely called), was an avid coon hunter, raising dozens of coon hunting dogs, all which he knew by name, even late into his life. Many a dog that was dumped in the swamp found a loving home with the Ureys. Two in particular, Traveler and Maggie, were especially loyal companions.

Clem made friends wherever he went, but it was his front porch where he was most welcoming. With a warm “how-do”, he’d invite anyone who came by to sit and visit for a bit and enjoy a glass of Dona’s sweet tea.

Clem treated everyone as he wished to be treated–with courtesy and respect. His connection with the land translated to an innate wisdom that he applied to everything in life, most especially to his understanding of people.

A natural born storyteller, Clem loved nothing more than to regale visitors with tales of his escapades as a teenager, or retell stories of his several escapes from near death during his work as a power outage specialist. He’d tell these stories with an infectious laugh that brought everyone in a bit closer just to catch his exuberance.

Mom called Dad home at their favorite time of year–Thanksgiving. Together with Maggie and Traveler they can now rest on their big front porch and watch the world go by.

Friends and family may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, November 28 in the Sandy Lake Rose and Black Funeral Home, 3236 S Main St, Sandy Lake, and from 10:00 am until the time of service on Saturday, November 29.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home, with friend and neighbor, Chuck Mowry, officiating.

Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Stoneboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeview Meals on Wheels, 7 Linden St, Stoneboro, PA 16153.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Village Center at Wesbury for their exceptional and loving care during the last two years of Dad’s life. They became family, not only to our Dad, but to all of us as well.

Memories may be shared at www.RoseFH.com