DEWITT, Mich. -- Retired Toyo Tire USA Corp. executive Earl Knoper, 67, passed away on June 12.

Knoper served as vice president of the company before retiring in 2005 after a 21-year career with Toyo.

Previously, Knoper worked for Goodyear, Firestone and Montgomery Ward over his 41-year tire industry career.

After leaving Toyo, Knoper served briefly as the president of SCCA Pro Racing, and as a consultant with Toyo. He had recently moved to DeWitt, Mich., with his wife, Jan.  (Courtesy of Tire Review/Akron)