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Augusta University University of Kansas University of Wisconsin

FUNERAL HOME

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors - Augusta

214 Davis Road

Augusta, Georgia

Emil Urban Obituary

MARTINEZ, Ga. - Entered into rest Friday, January 24, 2014, Dr. Emil K. Urban, 79, loving husband of 51 years to Lois Urban. Dr. Urban was a native of Milwaukee, WI. He earned his B.S. and PhD from University of Wisconsin, Madison and his M.A. from University of Kansas; Emil retired after 31 years from Augusta State University where he was awarded the Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Biology, an honor he held from 1997 until his retirement. He was awarded the first Louis K. Bell Alumni Research Award at Augusta State University for the Birds of Africa and he was one of three editors of "The Birds of Africa". In 1977 he received Georgia Ornithological Society's Earl .R. Greene Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to ornithology. He is a Fellow of the AOU and has published numerous papers on African birds including "A Checklist of the Birds of Ethiopia" and life history studies of pelicans, cormorants and ibises. He was a member and past president of the Augusta State University Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. He was a guest lecturer for the Cullum Lecture Series on "The Birds of Africa" at ASU. Family members in addition to his wife include daughter: Kristine Glenn, son-in-law Mark; granddaughter: Amanda; sister: Joan Ratter; close cousin: Clarence and Beth Read; brother-in-laws: John and Jeanne Lee, Alan and Margie Lee, Jay and Nancy Lee; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine's Island Foundation for Emil K. Urban bird conservation internship. The family will receive family and friends from 6-8 on Thursday at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com

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Published by The Augusta Chronicle from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Emil Urban

15 Entries

Caryl Zaronikos

January 20, 2021

It has been only 7 years since we have been denied your presence. Sometimes it seems like yesterday and sometimes it seems like forever. I would like to add about what I miss .......integrity, honesty and kindness. Wishing I could be with Lois today. Caryl

Leza Witherington

April 2, 2014

Dr. Urban was one of my first professors at Augusta State. He was a wonderful professor that made a lastng impression. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.

Jim & Michele Wagner

February 5, 2014

We knew Emil first as a kind neighbor, then as a scholar and patient teacher, always as a generous and caring friend. His contributions to ornithology and environmental issues are lasting. There are few such good men. We share many years of wonderful memories with Lois and Emil.

February 3, 2014

Lois,
Please accept my deepest sympathy during your time of sorrow. Emil was a wonderful expert on birds. Always enjoyed his talks! Nancy Brannen Marsh

January 30, 2014

Education has lost a dedicated and compassionate teacher. Ornithology has lost a legend. And Lois and Kristine, you have lost a wonderful husband and father. To all Emil's family, colleagues, and students, you have lost a dear friend. Martha and I share your grief. Please know our loving empathy.

St. Catherine's South End Dock

Chris Copeland

January 30, 2014

Thanks for all of your great guidance, teaching, advice and birding memories. You will be missed by many. St. Catherine's CBC wont be the same without you.

But, as you would want, we will press on and remember great times in your company.

Donald and Jeanette Dunagan

January 30, 2014

Emil was a great friend and neighbor. He taught two of our children at Augusta College. They really respected him and spoke many times of their favorable impression of his teaching and friendship.

Kathy Chandler Pearson

January 28, 2014

Dr. Urban always pushed his students beyond what we thoughts our limits were and in doing so taught us much more than was in a book. A favorite professor and birding mentor.

Caryl Zaronikos

January 28, 2014

Will miss Emil's wisdom, joy, humor and friendship. One of the finest men I have been privileged to meet. Love to you Lois. Will see you soon. Caryl

Steve Holzman

January 27, 2014

The Georgia Ornithological Society has lost a great ornithologist. His contributions were many and he will be greatly missed by all who had a chance to bird with him or spend time with him. The St. Catherines Island CBC will not be the same without him.

January 27, 2014

To Lois and the family - All our condolences. It was Emil who first made me realize that birds were special. And it was with Emil that I first toured FL and Texas. Goodbye to a close companion. Ken and Esther Lange, Baraboo WI.

January 27, 2014

He was a great mentor and always made his students strive to do their very best. He will be missed.
Karen Utsch

January 26, 2014

Lois, Thinking of you. May the memories of Emil's life help sustain you during this time of grief. Jane Ellis

January 26, 2014

My condolence to the Urban family. May the God of all comfort sustain during this difficult time.
-Catherine

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