Lee Usina

Lee Ward Usina age 94, of Bonne Terre, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Delmar Gardens of Meramec Valley in Fenton. He was born on Tuesday, May 6, 1930, in St. Augustine, Florida, where he spent the first 20 years of his life surrounded by family. He was proud of his Minorcan heritage and culture, constantly sharing it with others. While attending school at St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine, he was very active in music as well as sports. After graduating high school, Lee attended seminary school at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, to study to become a Catholic priest. 

In 1951, Lee made the decision to serve our country in the United States Air Force. He served his country with honor and distinction during the Korean War. After the Korean War ended, Lee moved to St. Louis, Missouri. In 1954, Lee began working for Monsanto where he worked for 31 years, before retiring as a manufacturing supervisor in 1985. While at Monsanto, Lee attended Washington University in St Louis. Following retirement from Monsanto, he co-founded the United Packaging Corporation with longtime friend Keith Payne. The company is a contracted chemical packaging company located in East St Louis, Illinois, and is still owned and operated by his son, Flynt Usina. He was on the Board of Directors of the now Members 1st Credit Union for 25 years. After retiring from United Packaging Corporation in 2002, he became a farmer in Bonne Terre, Missouri.

Lee was a passionate man and full of laughter. He travelled the world and touched many lives. When not out exploring his farm, Lee could often be found enjoying bird watching and the beauty of nature. He was also a voracious reader and loved to constantly expand his mind with books on business and finance. He could regularly be found singing classic hymns as well as enjoying music from history's greatest composers and music from his generation. Friends and family will remember him always as a father, grandfather, and a loyal friend.

Lee is survived by a loving family: his son, Lee Flynt Usina (Katy) of St Louis; brother, Michael J. Usina (Theresa) of St. Augustine, Florida; three grandchildren, Alicia, Adam, and Cassie of St. Louis, his ex-wife, Selma Peterson of St Louis. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ila M. and Julian Usina; his sister, Mary Catherine Warth; brothers, Arthur J. Usina and William E. Usina; very special friend, Norma L. Thomas; ex-wife, Jane Fiorino.

Visitation will be held at C.Z Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Friday, July 12, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Father John Schneider to officiate. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis at 1:30 PM.