John L. Winstead Jr.

Mr. John L. Winstead Jr, 72, of Louisville, passed away surrounded by his family on May 8, 2025. He was born in Louisville, KY on January 19, 1953. He was the son of the late John L. Winstead Sr. and Mary Luke Winstead. John grew up in Louisville, and graduated from Seneca High school in 1971, where he was a member of the choir and basketball team. He met his future wife at Iron Gate Country Club where he was a lifeguard. He married the love of his life, Gwynette Moss, on June 23, 1972. In their 52 years of marriage, they raised three daughters: Bridgett Winstead Dean, Cheri Winstead, and Brook Blair (Cordell). The thing he enjoyed most was being a girl dad. He was always involved in his daughters' activities and sports and even helped coach softball and basketball at Jeffersontown High School. He taught each daughter how to bait a hook and take off their own fish. Although he was outnumbered with three teenage daughters, his patience grew with every challenge they presented. He also shared his love of the University of Louisville sports with his family and was an avid tailgater. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Connor Dean (Caitlin), Baylee Dean, Bryce Nokes, Landon Nokes, Jackson Dean, Emma Reed, and Skyler Blair; and 4 step-grandchildren Bralynn, Cooper, Brinlee, and Breeya Blair. They all cherished their time at the lake with their Papa and learned many skills like fishing, water safety, and driving the boat. John served the community as a law enforcement officer for 43 years. At 19 years of age, he went to work for the Louisville Police Department as a patrol officer and spent his last 10 years there as a narcotics detective. After retiring, he became the Commissioner of charitable gaming for the state of Kentucky and then finished his career at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department working in the courts. While in the police department he was the vice president of the FOP Lodge 6 and was instrumental in getting the policeman's bill of rights established. He also helped negotiate with the city of Louisville to increase officers' wages. He was a lobbyist in Frankfort for many years where he worked to get legislation passed for the betterment of police officers. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge 400. John was a believer and longtime member of Southeast Christian Church. In his youth, he paddled a canoe from Cincinnati to Louisville with his beloved godfather Whit. In his free time, he enjoyed retreating to his cabin at the lake and traveling with Gwynette. His hobbies included fishing, hiking and running. He completed the Marine corps marathon and several mini marathons. He and Gwynette loved to hike and explore national parks. They also enjoyed good music and a chance to dance anywhere they could. John is survived by his brother, Dewey Winstead (Sue Ann), his sisters, Vicki Misztal (Adam) and Mary O'Leary (Guy). Preceding him in death was his sister Martha Henry (Mike) and his grandson, Landon John Nokes. Memorial Service will be held 7pm, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Pearson's, 149 Breckenridge Ln. Visitation will be 3-7pm, Tuesday at Pearson's. FOP Ceremony will be at 6pm before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of John Winstead Jr. to The Parklands of Floyds Fork, 471 W Main St, Suite 202, Louisville, KY 40202. (www.theparklands.org/tribute) or Southeast Christian Church. Online condolences may be shared at Pearsonfuneralhome.com Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's, "Where Louisville Goes to Remember" To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.