Family Establishes Scholarship In Memory Of UA Alumnus Earle K. Johnson In College Of Engineering

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - University of Arkansas alumnus Earle K. Johnson felt a great deal of pride when the school selected brick from his Eureka Brick and Tile Company of Clarksville, Ark., for the exterior of Barnhill Arena. He would have felt a similar pride knowing his family had set up a $75,000 endowed scholarship in his memory for civil engineering students in the UA College of Engineering.

The Johnson family — his widow, Mrs. Norma McKennon Johnson; his son, Brad Johnson; and his daughter, Paula Glasgow — have contributed the $75,000 principal to the Earle K. Johnson Endowed Scholarship.

Brad Johnson said, "My father loved his profession and the University of Arkansas. Our family thought it would be a fitting tribute to have his name perpetually associated with the study of civil engineering at the University of Arkansas." Earle Johnson died in 1994.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "The Johnson family gift will yield long-term benefits for our students in the College of Engineering. We are grateful for their desire to help the college attract and retain highly talented students. Private support is essential for us to realize our vision and achieve our goals for the University."

The purpose of the scholarship is to recognize and provide financial assistance to outstanding junior or senior full-time civil engineering students. The scholarship may be renewed for subsequent years providing the recipient continues to meet the conditions of eligibility and funds are available.

Earle Johnson was born on November 6, 1919, in Clarksville, Ark., to coal mine owner and operator Earle H. and wife, Hattie Johnson. He attended Clarksville public schools and, at the age of sixteen, enrolled in the University of Arkansas. While at the University, Johnson served as the cadet commander of the ROTC and was twice elected president of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Upon graduating in 1940 with a degree in civil engineering, he was employed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and was assigned to the Norfolk Dam construction project. During World War II, Johnson served in the U. S. Army, attaining the rank of captain, and commanding a heavy weapons company. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Silver Star medals, the latter for probing through a minefield to rescue several wounded men. Following the surrender of Germany, Johnson served as a liaison officer to the Soviet Army in the repatriation of refugees and prisoners of war.

After returning from Europe, Johnson and his father struggled to obtain financing to construct a brick plant near Clarksville. Following the Reconstruction Finance Corporation’s rejection of their loan application, Johnson traveled to Washington to enlist the aid of Senator J. William Fulbright, who had been president of the University of Arkansas during the time that Johnson had been a student. The loan was eventually approved, and additional funding was provided by Baldwin Company partner Werner Knoop of Little Rock.

Eureka Brick and Tile Company began operations in 1946, and became one of the most successful independently owned brick companies in the region. With 80 employees, Eureka Brick manufactured and shipped approximately 40 million bricks per year to a 14-state area. Johnson also founded a real estate development company, operated a cattle ranch and served on the boards of Clarksville Machine Works and Clarksville Wood Products.

Following his death in 1994, members of the Johnson and Knoop families continued to operate Eureka Brick until July of 1999 when it was acquired by Acme Brick Company.

Johnson was active in civic affairs, having served as president of the Clarksville Rotary Club, president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Clarksville, chairman of the Johnson County Industrial Development Commission and chairman of the Clarksville Light and Water Commission. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1992 Johnson was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. He was an emeritus member of the American Ceramic Society.

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