John Gordon “Johnny” Masterson, 76, of Lebanon, died Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at Baptist Health Louisville. He was born Dec. 9, 1949, in Marion County.
He dedicated 42 years to law enforcement, serving as a Marion County deputy sheriff and a Lebanon police officer. He was a member of the Blue Knights and the Fraternal Order of Police. He enjoyed playing golf, riding his motorcycle, and playing cards, but especially treasured spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Edward and Theresa Emaline “Tar” Riggs; two brothers, Joseph Kenneth “Joe Kenny” Masterson and Michael Stephen “Steve” Masterson; and one nephew, Landon James Gootee.
Survivors include one daughter, Dee Masterson Petri of Louisville; one son, Eddie Masterson (Dee Dee) of Lebanon; eight sisters, Shay Blough (Larry) of St. Petersburg, Fla., Elaine Mattingly and Kathy Dow (Mike), both of Loretto, Alma Belt (Johnny) of Berea, Nell Kelly (Donald) of Georgetown, Mary Gootee (Terry) of Lebanon, Julie Clements (Jimmy) of St. Joe, and Laura Luttrell (Terry) of Cox’s Creek; one brother, Eddie Masterson (Mary) of Loretto; five grandchildren, Christina Masterson, Catherine Beavers (Josh), Bethany Masterson, Emily Rush (Jake), and Mason Petri; and five great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with the Rev. Richard T. Goodin officiating. /Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Mattingly Funeral Home in Loretto.
Memorial donations may go to Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation.
Pallbearers are Mason Petri, Joey Masterson, Kody Clark, Jimmy Clements, Chris Downs, and John Thompson; Honorary pallbearers are Joey Edelen, Eddie Mudd, Kenny Blandford, Stevie Thompson, Danny Bright, and Jimmy Gulley.
Mattingly Funeral Home in Loretto is in charge of arrangements.
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