Best-One Tire & Service and Zurcher Tire founder Paul Zurcher died on May 7 following a brief illness. He was 90.

Zurcher will be remembered as a successful businessman, community leader, philanthropist, devoted husband and father, and enthusiastic steward of God.

Zurcher served in the infantry in WWII, where he received a Purple Heart. Following his service in 1948, Zurcher pursued his longtime dream of owning a garage and opened Zurcher Tire. Later, Zurcher and partners founded Best One Tire & Service marketing, helping other dealers around the country. Today there are more than 250 Best-One locations.

Zurcher was awarded the Tire Industry Hall of Fame award in 2002 and was inducted into the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Hall of Fame. He served on the boards of Taylor University, Swiss Village Retirement Community, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.

Those that knew Zurcher will remember him for his personal list of Nine Lifetime Commitments:

1. To seek God’s friendship, fellowship and guidance;
2. To develop effective relationships;
3. To treat everyone with honor, love, dignity and respect;
4. To be self-disciplined and self-controlled;
5. To do right things right;
6. To be a positive person, enthusiastic and passionate person;
7. To never compromise my integrity;
8. To plan for tomorrow today;
9. To live life now and live life wide open.

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

Zurcher’s tire industry associates are invited to attend a special private viewing on May 15 from noon to 6 p.m. at the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Ind. Individuals may also attend the public visitation on May 14 from noon to 9 p.m. and May 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be given to Swiss Village Samaritan Fund; Trinity United Methodist Church; or Taylor University.