Ernest Edmond St. Louis

Ernest Edmond St. Louis, Jr. of Morganton, NC died peacefully at AMOREM March 21, 2024. He was born on October 25, 1927, in Central Falls, Rhode Island, the son of Ernest E. St. Louis, Sr. and Yvonne Bergeron St. Louis.

In his earlier years Ernie was a Boy Scout whose guidance by his father, was awarded Eagle Scout, being the youngest to earn that accreditation in Rhode Island at that time. He was very active with sports in High School in both Football and Track and Field, where he established a Rhode Island High School record with a high jump of 6 foot, 4 inches.

He graduated from Rhode Island State University in 1950 with a B.S. Cum Laude in Chemistry. He was President of the Junior Class (1948-1949) and served as a Lab Assistant both his Junior and Senior Years. He was a Cryptologist while in the United States Army and received an Honorable Discharge as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve in 1964.

After College, he joined Chemical Sun Company as a Research Chemist and New Product Technical Advisor. Always driven, he started Valchem in Langley, SC in 1956 for United Merchants and Manufacturers Textile Company. In 1964 with his Partner, Bill Iannone, he established Checkmate Chemical Company in Greenville, SC. After two years, this successful company was sold to GAF, an International Corporation. He then relocated in Morganton, NC with his family and started Astro Industries. This company developed new products such as AstroFlockTight NS, an adhesive for flocking Nylon fiber to Fabric which was used by Lazy Boy for its Breathable Suede Chairs. Formica Resin Modifications were developed as well as a waterproofing resin for the corrugated box industry. Astro Industries was sold to Borden Chemical Company in 1990 and is now the Hexion Corporation.

He was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo in Morganton, NC. He was a member of The Lion’s Club in Pawtucket, RI; The Knights of Columbus in Aiken, SC; The Elks and Kiwanis Club in Morganton. As an avid golfer he belonged to Seven Devils, The Blowing Rock Country Club and Mimosa Hills Country Club. He was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Morganton.

He enjoyed spending free time at his Mountain House at Seven Devils, NC and after retirement his home at Fripp Island with family and friends. He loved to travel not just for work but for pleasure. He and his late wife, Joan provided a yearly Beach Trip to Fripp Island, SC for the entire family to attend, some coming from as far away as Missouri and Tennessee. When that rental house was outgrown, a bigger house was provided so that all the family could continue to vacation under one roof. This beach trip allowed the entire family to gather and create memories forming a strong family bond that continues to this day.

Ernie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years Joan; his parents Ernest and Yvonne St. Louis, Sr.: Brother Roland St. Louis and sister Germaine St. Louis; Stepson Michael Myles, daughter-in-law Judy Myles and great-grandson Quentin Robinson.

He will be missed by his children: Doug St. Louis (Jackie); Jim Myles (Alice); Dan St. Louis (Sandra); Karen Young; Toni Deal (Kirk). Pepere’s Grandchildren include: Michelle Brown (PJ); Kelly Gibson; Bryan Myles (Dandy); Kevin Myles; Jonathan Myles (Noelle); Matthew St. Louis (Beth); David St. Louis (Hilary); James Myles; Ben St. Louis (Birgit); Steven St. Louis (Ashley); Jennifer Chang (Rick); Maggie Pannenbacker (Ben); Patrick Jenkins and Heather Deal. G-Pere’s Great Grandchildren are: Josh Gibson; Lucy Robinson; Bailey Robinson; Michael Myles; Eli Myles; Gideon Myles; Livingston St. Louis; Griffin St. Louis; Elliot St. Louis; Grace Myles; Jimmy Myles; Mia St. Louis; Claire St. Louis; Anzleigh St. Louis; Daphne Chang; Arthur Chang; Owen Conner; Liam Pannenbacker; Ellis Pannenbacker; Sage Jenkins; Brantley Moss and Freya Potts. Great-Great Grandchild Lillian Robinson.

Jean Beucus whose loving care and friendship always put a smile on Ernie’s face.

We would like to thank all the Caregivers from Bayada, whose company and care enabled Ernie to stay comfortably in his home and to AMOREM Hospice in Valdese for his final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sossoman Funeral Home on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 11 to 1 with a Military Ceremony at 12:45 p.m. In lieu of Flowers, memorials can be sent to AMOREM in Valdese, NC or a Charity of your choice.

Ernie lived life to the fullest and we will all miss his big smile, storytelling, warmth, generousness, engaging voice and gregarious attitude.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.