Johnny Eli Winston, 93, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2022, at home in Overland Park, Kansas …or for those that knew Johnny’s superstitious side, that would be August 12 + 1! Visitation and funeral services will be Saturday, August 20 at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. and funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow the funeral at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, 23215 W 75th St, Shawnee, Kansas.
Johnny was born in Franklin County, North Carolina August 22, 1928, on a diversified crop and livestock farm to Johnnie Gray Winston and Mary Candace Scarborough Winston. Following his grandfather’s death the family moved to the Scarborough Homeplace in Mark’s Creek, North Carolina (now known as Wendell, NC). Johnny graduated from Wendell High School in 1945, then attended Oak Ridge Military Academy. In May 1950, Johnny received his Bachelor of Arts degree from East Carolina Teachers College (now East Carolina University) before entering the U.S. Navy that fall. Stationed in San Diego, California, this is where Johnny met his wife of 69 years, Rose. Johnny, Rose, and infant son, Andy returned to North Carolina late in 1954 at which time he entered North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina (GO Pack!), majoring in Animal Science. Before graduating with honors in 1956, Johnny was active with the Agricultural Club, the Agricultural Honorary Alpha Zeta fraternity, and the Animal Industry Club.
Following graduation, Johnny served as Assistant County Agent in Northampton County, was Secretary Fieldman for the North Carolina Hereford Association, then returned to family farming in 1961. In 1964, he joined the staff of the American Hereford Journal traveling the northeastern United States. In 1967, Johnny accepted a position with the Polled Hereford World representing the northeastern United States, being promoted to Director of Field Services – Eastern United States in 1970 which transferred Johnny and his family to Kansas City. Later he headed up the entire United States field staff of the combined Polled Hereford World and American Polled Hereford Association. After 20+ years of service, Johnny retired in 1992 as the Senior Vice President of the Member Service Department.
Although retired officially, Johnny continued in a marketing/consultation role for Ace Polled Herefords – Millbrook, New York and Skiatook, Oklahoma; National Cattle Services – Elgin, Oklahoma; and numerous herds across the United States and Canada. In 1996, he reduced his involvement in marketing Polled Herefords to Star Lake Cattle Ranch – Skiatook, Oklahoma until 2008 when he decided upon full retirement.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sara Kathryn Winston Soderberg; sisters, Lucy “Sassy” Goode and Mary “Bugg” Pair. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Rose R. Winston, of the home; son, Andy Winston (Terry) of Lee’s Summit; daughter, Mary Gray Winston of Overland Park; granddaughters, Chrystal Winston of Kansas City, Carly Winston Prewitt (Derrick) of Raymore, Mindy Soderberg Pagenkopf of Hayesville, Sarah Kathryn Winston Davis (Michael) of Lansing, Jessica Sandy (Patrick) of Lee’s Summit; grandsons, Johnny Michael Winston (Sarah) of Overland Park, Andrew Charles Soderberg of Wichita; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great granddaughter.
A scholarship endowment is being established at the Hereford Youth Foundation of America in Johnny Winston’s memory. All proceeds will benefit the next generation and positively impact youth involved in the National Junior Hereford Association. To make a memorial contribution and donate to the scholarship endowment you may do so online at https://herefordyouthfoundation.org/how-to-give/give-now/.
Checks may also be sent to
Hereford Youth Foundation of America
11500 N Ambassador Dr.
Suite #410
Kansas City, MO 64153.
When sending checks, please put Johnny Winston in the memo.