Luke E. Fontenot

BS Chemical Engineering – 1961
Founder – Pearl River Chemical Corporation
Founder/CEO – Polymer Research Corporation

A Grand Prairie, LA native, Luke was a chemical engineer and a successful entrepreneur. Prior to attending the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL Lafayette) where he earned his degree in chemical engineering, Luke served as an underwater demolition team member in the U.S. Korean War. Throughout his career in the water treatment business, he pioneered the use of chemicals (especially polymers) for public and commercial water treatment in the United States. He and three partners founded Pearl River Chemical Corporation, which evolved from a start-up company to a highly successful business. He sold it to Atlantic Richfield and served as its technical expert and business operations leader. He later founded Polymer Research Corporation, building the company into a leading manufacturer of specialty polymers used in wastewater treatment. Luke retired in 2011 to enjoy his lifelong passion of raising cattle. Throughout his life, he was active in 4-H, Future Farmers of America, his community and the church.