Mark Alan Winstead, retired state trooper
Mark Alan Winstead, 68, of Lewes died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. He was loved more than he could ever know.
A lifelong Delawarean, Mark was born to Margaret "Peggy" and Frank Winstead in Wilmington Feb. 16, 1958, the third of three boys. Raised in the Stanton area, there was no shortage of Peggy trying to wrangle three boys while Frank was at work, but she managed – most days. Mark and his brothers, Dennis and Tim – each born two years apart – grew close during that time, and that bond continued throughout their lives.
Mark attended Stanton Elementary, Skyline Junior High, and graduated from John Dickinson High School in 1976, followed by a criminal justice degree from Delaware Tech. When the boys went to school, Peggy went back to work, managing the Linden Green Apartment complex, where Mark became the maintenance man on site. As luck would have it, a beautiful tenant named Jean DeYoung had just moved into the complex, and their life journey together began poolside.
Mark and Jean married Sept. 12, 1981, and would have celebrated 45 years of marriage this year. Mark served his fellow Delawareans as a Delaware State Trooper from Jan. 31, 1983 – Jan. 31, 2003, as a member of the 46th recruit class. Known as "Steady" to his fellow troopers, he served in various roles at Troops 1 and 2, was a school resource officer at Brandywine High School, and was an instructor at the DSP Academy. He was a proud member of the Association of Retired Delaware State Police. Never one to sit still, Mark established a small home repair company with the assistance of his dad, Frank, doing small construction and fix-it jobs in homes and rental properties in Lewes and Rehoboth. He gained many friendships over the years.
There are so many memories to celebrate. Mark and Jean threw hundreds of parties over the years, where Mark achieved the status of grill sergeant. Some of the bests were pool parties held with friends in Wilmington (luckily before social media and Jean's famous selfies). Whether it was Jean's colleagues from Beebe or "TrooperPalooza," they loved bringing those they loved together. He and Jean enjoyed traveling; two of their favorite places were St. Michael's, Md, and Sanibel Island, Fla.
Mark loved dogs, rescuing and raising many over the years – most recently his beloved Frenchie, Rocco, and Ray Ray the pug, both of whom he found separately on Craigslist and who survive him
Mark was predeceased by his mother, Peggy; and his in-laws, John and Dolly DeYoung, who he cared for through illnesses, and they loved him like their own.
Mark is survived by his soulmate and wife, Jean; his father, Frank; his brother, Dennis and his spouse Scott Egler; his brother Tim (retired Delaware State Police); his nieces, Olivia and Eliza Winstead, and their mom, Emily Cunningham. He is also survived by his goddaughter, Erica Hosier, and her parents, Robin and Matt Engler.
Sadly, Mark made the decision to end his life on his own terms. His family shares this information in the hope that it helps even one person who may be quietly struggling when they need it most. You are not alone; Mark was not alone. Please talk to someone or call 988.
Mark’s life should be celebrated, and his family is planning an event for the early spring to do just that. Details will be shared once they are finalized.
In lieu of flowers, consider helping others with donations to either Delaware State Police’s Camp Barnes, campbarnes.net; or Beebe Medical Foundation, beebehealthcare.org/beebe-medical-foundation/donate.
Visit Mark’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
