John K. Gordinier

John Kertis Gordinier, 86, of Louisville, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Friday, July 17, 2026, after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by family in his final days. He died just one day before his 87th birthday.

John was born on July 18, 1939 to the late Dr. John Dunn Gordinier and Lucille Margaret Gordinier (nee Kertis). A 1957 graduate of The Baylor School for Boys in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Louisville in 1964. He enjoyed a distinguished legal career with the firm Pedley, Ross, Zielke, and Gordinier, practicing until his retirement in 2016. From 1986 until 1990 he also served as President of the Kentucky Home Mutual Life Insurance Company.

John raised three children with his former wife, Evelyn Lucille Gordinier (deceased 2015). He deeply valued education and encouraged his children to pursue and accept every opportunity for learning, both inside and outside the classroom. He believed that travel has the power to expand minds, open hearts, and broaden perspectives.

John was an avid sailor and a longtime member of the Pendennis Club. He attended St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Church of the Advent, where he sang in the choirs of both. Music was a great source of joy throughout his life, and he was a devoted supporter of the Kentucky Opera Association.

John is survived by his companion Gaye Wright; his sister Susan Gordinier (Randy); his three children, Dr. Mary Gordinier (Theodore), John Dunn Gordinier, II (Deanna), Henry L.E. Gordinier (Kelli); five grandchildren, Nadzia Gordinier, Stephen Henry Gordinier (Molly), Maxwell Thomas Gordinier, Emma Lucille Gordinier, and Anna Katherine Gordinier; two step-grandchildren, Alex Bowles (Mikala) and Amanda Wells; five great-grandchildren, Evelyn Louise Gordinier, Leo Harrison Gordinier, James Dunn Gordinier, Caleb Michael Bowles, and Everleigh Lyn-Lorraine Bowles; his sister-in-law Fran Gordinier, widow of his late brother Paul Stephen Gordinier; his nieces Whitney Gordinier (Mike) and Stephanie Newton (Sean); great-niece Anna and great-nephews Brandon, Jude, and Jack; and Kathleen Keegan, companion of his late wife Evelyn Lucille Gordinier.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. John Dunn Gordinier and Lucille Margaret Gordinier; his sister Mary Dunn Gordinier; and his brother Paul Stephen Gordinier.

The family wishes to express special gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Pamela Biggers of Home Instead and Marie Bennett of Hosparus Health during his final weeks.

A private memorial service will be held for family later this summer.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus Health, 6200 Dutchman’s Lane, Louisville KY, 40205.