John Richard Winters served as tax assessor-collector for Palo Pinto County from January 1, 1947 to March 31, 1987, and at the time of his retirement was the longest tenured tax assessor in the State of Texas. He was active in civic affairs and community projects throughout the county as a Sea Scout troop leader; president of the Mineral Wells Junior Chamber of Commerce; charter member, captain, and secretary of the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Posse; secretary of the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association and its FFA-4H Club Junior Livestock Show, the Palo Pinto Masonic Lodge, the Mineral Wells Masonic Lodge, and the Old Settlers Reunion. He was president of the Tax Assessors Collectors Association of Texas in 1962. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer after 21 years of service in Europe in World War II and in the active reserves. He was instrumental in the county's contribution to the statewide screw worm eradication program, the reintroduction of wild turkeys into Palo Pinto County, the publication of Palo Pinto County history books, the centennial celebration, and the erection of historical markers in Palo Pinto County. He was remembered for his untiring efforts to promote Palo Pinto County and improve the quality of life for all its residents throughout his 89-year lifetime.