Tire industry legend Paul Zurcher dies at 90

May 11, 2015

Paul Zurcher, founder of Zurcher Tire Inc. and the Best-One Tire & Service tire distribution network, died last Thursday following a brief illness. He was 90.

Zurcher will be remembered as a successful businessman, community leader, philanthropist, devoted husband and father, mentor, and enthusiastic steward of God. He was also a legend in the tire industry, known, as one of his employees once said, for "making dreams come true." He was elected into the Tire Industry Association Hall of Fame in 2002, and received the prestigious Tire Dealer of the Year award from Modern Tire Dealer in 2005.

After serving in the infantry in Italy during WWII and receiving a purple heart, Paul began working toward his dream of owning an automotive service station. He opened Zurcher Tire in 1948 with $300.

Throughout the following years, Zurcher formed partnerships with numerous others in the tire industry helping them to achieve their dreams of opening tire and service locations. Today, Best-One has grown to more than 250 locations throughout the United States.

In addition to his passion for the tire industry, Zurcher was also deeply committed to his local community and philanthropy. Throughout his lifetime, he served on numerous boards, including the board of trustees for Taylor University, a Christian liberal arts college located in Upland, Ind.

In 2014, Zurcher was presented the Sagamore of the Wabash, an award bestowed by the Indiana governor to citizens who have contributed greatly to state’s heritage. 

Zurcher is survived by his wife, three children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

"The Zurcher family (including his two sons, Chief Financial Officer Larry Zurcher and Chief Operating Officer Mark Zurcher) and Paul's many business partners look forward to carrying his dream on well into the future," said Brittney Meier, Best-One's director of marketing.

Visitation for Zurcher will be held at the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Ind. Zurcher’s tire industry associates, are invited to attend a special private viewing on Friday, May 15, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Public visitation will be held on on Thursday, May 14, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday, May 15, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, read Zurcher’s complete obituary at www.zwickjahn.com, and check out this link:

"Paul Zurcher leaves behind a legacy from which you can benefit."