Joseph Streamer Mcclelland

Joseph Streamer McClelland, 93, passed away on June 3, 2021 surrounded by his family.  He was the only child of the late John and Margaret (Weckerly) McClelland.  His beloved wife of 71 years, Virginia Lee (Wood) McClelland passed away 4 months ago. He is survived by daughter Susan Lawrence and husband William and daughter Linda McLane and husband Roy.  He was lovingly called Pap-Pap by his four granddaughters, Emily Lawrence, Courtney (Lawrence) Johnson and husband Austen, Meredith (McLane) Southers and husband Jordan and Jaclyn McLane, and his three great-grandchildren, Caden Johnson, Riley Johnson and Madison Southers, with little boy Southers arriving in a few weeks.  Joe is survived by his first cousin, Lorraine (McClelland) Jordana from Virginia Beach, Va. and sister-in-law, Carolyn Harmer from Atlanta, GA and three nieces and their families.

Joe was born on leap year, February 29, 1928 in New Bethlehem, PA. Joe attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the Boy Scout’s highest honor.  He graduated from New Bethlehem High School in 1946.  He enlisted in the Navy as a Corpsman and was stationed at Naval Gun Factory (Navy Yard) in Washington, D.C.  It was there that he met Virginia at a USO dance.  He learned his trade as a dental technician in the Navy.   Joe was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1948 when Virginia flew over in November 1949 to marry him.  After living in Hawaii for one year they returned to the states in 1950. After leaving the Navy in 1954, Joe began working with SS White Dental Laboratory as a salesman.  He owned his own laboratory in Gaithersburg for ten years.  After selling his business, he returned to being a dental salesman for several laboratories and finally retiring in 1993.

Joe and Virginia purchased their first home in Kensington, then moved to Rockville where they lived for 47 years.  In 2003 they moved to Crestwood Village to be closer to family. At Crestwood, he enjoyed playing Bingo with friends.  Over the years, Joe, Virginia and daughters had many fond memories of their trips camping and fishing with their pop-up camper.  Later they took their granddaughters on trips with a “new and improved” camper.  Being a wonderful family man, one would alway see Joe at all his daughter’s and granddaughter’s sports, music, and dance performances.

Joe joined the Masonic Lodge #204 in Bethesda in 1952 that merged with Kensington Lodge #198. He later earned his 32nd Degree Scottish Rite.  Joe was also a member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon where he marched in many parades as a clown and his invisible dog. Joe and Virginia were actively involved in Job’s Daughters with their daughters.  Devoted to his faith, Joe was a member of several Methodist churches in PA and MD, most recently Buckeystown United Methodist Church.

Joe’s favorite activity centered around the Lion’s Club.  With great dedication, he served Gaithersburg Lions Club and the District for over 55 years. He held every major office including President twice.  Joe is a Melvin Jones Fellow and awarded a Life Membership.   He was a top-notched pancake flipper at the annual President's Day Pancake breakfast.  Every summer, Joe and Virginia dipped ice cream at the Lion’s booth at the Gaithersburg Fair. At the District level, he served on the Districts 22-C’s Eye Bank Board of Directors. He is the holder of the District’s coveted Bull Thrower’s award and received the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation.  Joe was most proud of his 33 years as the chairman of District 22-C’s Student Honor Band where Joe and Virginia spent enormous energy and countless hours. As well as playing at several District events, the band traveled to France and Germany to play at the International convention. He was a current member of the Monocacy Lions.  Joe believed in and faithfully followed the Lion’s motto of “We serve”.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 14, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick MD.  On Tuesday, June 15, 2021 viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment  will be at Monocacy Cemetery in Beallsville, MD immediately following the service.  If you wish to be notified of the online viewing option, please email [email protected] or [email protected] .

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Lions 22 C Band Scholarship which will be established in Joseph and Virginia McClelland’s honor.  Checks can be made out to Lions District 22-C Honor Youth Band and sent to Charles Holpuch, 24405 Hanson Road, Laytonsville, MD 20882.