Ross Fischer

Ross M. Fischer, 82, of Monticello, died at 11:39 am, Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born April 24, 1931 in Gilman, IL to the late Ben and Matilda (Wilkening) Fischer. He married Beverly Thompson on December 3, 1955 in Watseka, IL and she survives in Monticello. Ross was raised in Cissna Park, IL on a dairy farm. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Washington State and Alaska during the Korean War. Ross went to work for Verlon McCord at McCord Auto Supply in Watseka, IL. He moved to Monticello, the "Riviera of the Midwest", in October of 1959, when as a partner, he opened McCord Auto Supply and later became sole owner in 1964. He expanded the operation to 14 locations in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, and Minnesota. Ross developed the wheel application for Goodyear flotation tires so they could be adapted in an agricultural environment. He retrofitted the first monster truck with flotation tires. He and his wife traveled extensively all over the world on numerous trips he had won from Goodyear. Ross won best new concept at the Royal Agriculture Show in England. McCord Tire's floatation tire business was known internationally. His business motto was "This is the house of service", and he expected his staff to go above and beyond expectations. He worked every day until he retired at the age of 81. After the tornado, he did not charge for tire repairs and kept the business open 24 hours to assist in rescue efforts. Ross would invest his resources, financial and otherwise, to those less fortunate than himself if he believed the recipient would cultivate and prosper from the opportunity. He served as president and also on the board of directors of the White County Airport. He was president and officer as well as serving on the board of directors at the Tippecanoe County Club. He was past commander of the American Legion. He was a member of Libanus Lodge #154 F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, Murat Shine, and the White County Shrine Club. He had been a member of the Jaycees. He served on the Goodyear Board of Excellence. He was a loyal supporter of the Purdue University and sports and was a 40 year member of the John Purdue Club. Ross organized the Purdue Bogie Busters which was a fund raiser for the John Purdue Club for more than 20 years. He loved playing golf. The Tippecanoe County Club Red Barn Classic was renamed in 2011 as the Ross Fischer Red Barn Classic. He also hosted the Goodyear McCord Annual Golf outing for many years. Ross raced cars as a young man. He stopped while the girls were young and while growing his business. He started sponsoring Gary Irvin in the 1977 Indianapolis 500. Starting in 1978, he sponsored Pancho Carter in the USAC SPRINTS and championship dirt cars. Racing was his first passion. Ross enjoyed collecting classic cars. He was a member of the Motor Boys Club, a group of his old cronies, who took their annual trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania to attend the Classic Auto Auction every October. Ross cherished his family, and enjoyed vacationing with them especially at Christmas. He is also survived by 3 daughters, Jo Anna (Chris) Elliott of Terre Haute, De Anna (Mark) Paschen of Brookston, Anna Lyn (Tyler) Perrin of Litchfield, NH; grandchildren, Marc and Ross Elliott, Zachary Spille, Allie Paschen and Emma Perrin. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Vera Fischer; and grandsons, Jack Perrin and Cale Paschen. Visitation will be from 2 pm until 8 pm, Friday, May 24, 2013 at the Monticello First Presbyterian Church, and one hour prior to funeral services Saturday at the church. A Masonic service will be conducted at 7:30 pm, Friday at the church. Funeral Services will be at 11 am, Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the Monticello First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Thomas Albaum officiating. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the White County Community Foundation for benefit of the Fischer "Helping Hands" Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church. Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home is entrusted with care. You may sign the online guestbook at www.springerfuneralhome.com