BERNE, Ind.—Zurcher Tire/Best-One Tire & Service founder Paul Zurcher died May 7 following a brief illness. He was 90.
Mr. Zurcher served in the infantry in Italy during World War II and received a purple heart. He later began working toward his dream of owning an automotive service station and opened Zurcher Tire Inc. in 1948 with $300.
Throughout the following years, he formed partnerships with numerous people in the tire industry, helping them open tire and service locations. Today, his Best-One dealership network has grown to more than 250 locations throughout the U.S.
Mr. Zurcher was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Tire Association of North America in 1999, the predecessor trade group of the Tire Industry Association.
Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Zurcher served on numerous boards, including the board of trustees for Upland, Ind.-based Taylor University. In 2014, Mr. Zurcher was presented the Sagamore of the Wabash—recipients of this award of distinction, given by Indiana's governor, include citizens who have “contributed greatly to the state's heritage.”
Mr. Zurcher is survived by his wife Betty Lou (Schug); children Larry (Susan), Mark (Vickie) and Colleen Zurcher-McGauran; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
His two sons, Larry Zurcher (CFO) and Mark Zurcher (COO), and multiple third-generation family members who have worked in the business alongside him, will continue on with the company, according to a family statement.