Peter Winstead

Peter Winstead, 84, founding shareholder of Winstead, PC and civic leader, passed away on Wednesday August 7, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Tomi, four children, Lynn Winstead, Sara Daun (Nathan), John Winstead, Alan Ceshker (Misha) and nine grandchildren, Talan, Joey, Avery, and Jaden Ceshker, Lainie and Luke Mabe, Reid and Brady Daun, and Samuel Winstead. He is preceded in death by his parents Sam and Winifred Winstead, his son Joey Ceshker and grandson, Grayson Ceshker. Pete is also survived by his sisters, Connie Winstead (Bo), and Betty Winstead (Bill) along with brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, many cousins, nieces, and nephews that he loved dearly.

Pete was born in Washington, D.C. on August 6, 1940, but grew up in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1958 and was captain of the tennis team. Pete went to Stanford University for his undergraduate studies where he also played two years on the tennis team and graduated in 1962. Pete then went to The University of Texas Law School where he was on the Texas Law Review and received his JD in 1965.

After graduating, Pete worked for the Department of Justice Tax Division in Washington D.C. On many occasions, he was sent to areas dealing with civil rights issues, which shaped many of the principles he held so dear. That, along with his father, Sam Winstead’s example of giving back to your community, carried on throughout Pete’s career.

In 1969 Pete returned to Dallas and began working for the law firm of Akin Vial Hamilton Koch & Tubb. In April of 1973, Pete, along with Chuck McGuire and Bill Sechrest, formed the Winstead, McGuire & Sechrest law firm with one associate, Tom Mann. The firm adopted a team approach for both the management of the law firm and in the way it served its clients. In 1980 the firm had grown to 168 attorneys. In 1985 the firm opened a Houston office and in 1987 Pete was asked to open an office in Austin. Pete and his wife, Tomi, along with one associate from Dallas opened the Austin office. Pete originally agreed to stay two years and would then return to Dallas, but he found a new home and decided to stay in Austin. The firm celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2023 with offices in Austin, Charlotte, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, New York, San Antonio, and The Woodlands. Winstead PC has 600 employees nationwide with over 300 attorneys, with 50 attorneys based in Austin.

Pete had achieved success in Dallas and followed that path in Austin. A recent remark from a long-time political friend stated, “I don’t know of another civic leader who has made such an impact on two Texas cities.”

While in Dallas, Pete was President of the Dallas YMCA in its 100th Anniversary Year and was Chair of the Tax Section of the Dallas Bar Association as well as the Chair of the Tax Section of the State Bar of Texas.

In Austin, Pete had immense pride in the fact that the firm took Dell Computer Corporation Public in 1988, and he continued a close business and personal relationship with Michael and Susan Dell. In 1997, Pete was appointed by Governor Bush to be the first chair of the Texas Turnpike Authority. He chaired the boards of Austin Chamber, the Real Estate Council, the United Way, St. Edward’s University, the Greater Austin Crime Commission and KLRU Public Television. He also chaired the Grand Opening of ABIA and represented Catellus in the redevelopment of Mueller. One of his proudest accomplishments was to chair the $50 million capital campaign for the Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas.

Other accomplishments included being named Austinite of the Year in 2004, receiving the ADL Jurisprudence Award in 2011, and in 2023 Pete was named one of the Austin Business Journal’s Power Players stating, “ he has held just about every board seat in town over the decades.”

Pete was a man who would listen but when all were finished, he usually had the solution. Pete’s true joy was when he could help others. Whether it was a young attorney along the way or a charitable organization that benefited from his guidance, he was fulfilled when doing for others. Pete and Tomi were married for 45 years in April and worked together on many civic and charitable projects. Together they gave the 2021 commencement at Austin Community College.

Pete was a family man and loved getting his five children, with spouses, and his 10 grandchildren all together on vacation at the beach every year. Holidays at their home were a special time. When he first became a grandfather, he would cut meetings short telling them his grandson was home, so it was time to leave.

His hobbies were tennis, fishing, travelling, and spending time with family. All anxiously waited for Pete to grill his famous hot dogs made with his secret sauce.

Pete was a great man, husband, brother, uncle, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all that knew him and loved him.

A service in honor of Pete's life will take place on Monday, August 19, 2024, at The Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, Texas, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with the ceremony beginning at 5:00 PM.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff that took such great care of Pete and the family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Pete Winstead Endowment for Student Scholars at the UT Austin Dell Medical School through http://give.utexas.edu/, or you may send a check to:

UT Austin Dell Medical School

Health Learning Building

1501 Red River Street

Austin, TX 78712

Attn: Development

You are also welcome to make a donation to the charity of your choice.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes for their compassionate assistance in handling all of the arrangements.