Carson D. Klitz, 87 of Rushville, IL passed away September 16, 2025, at Rushville Nursing and Rehabilitation Home in Rushville, IL. Carson was born on January 20, 1938, in Quincy, IL, to Cyril George Carson Jesse Klitz and Florence Marie Everett. Shortly after the birth of his brother, Donnie, on February 5, 1941, his father abandoned the family, and Florence married F.A. “Hy” Booth in Rushville, IL, in 1945. Both boys were raised by their mother and stepfather.
Carson attended Webster Grade School and subsequently graduated from Rushville High School in 1956. Upon graduation, he and nine classmates enlisted in the U.S.
Navy. Carson was a catapult spotter on the USS Valley Forge CVS-45 and the USS Intrepid CVA-11. He was released from active duty in May 1960. In June 1960, he “hired out” as a fireman on the CB & Q Railroad in Beardstown, IL. In September 1963, he enrolled at Western Illinois University in the Pre-Law program. He completed his degree and was accepted at John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL, in September 1966. He graduated from Law School in June 1969 and returned to Rushville to establish his law practice.
He practiced law until December 1980, when he was elected Resident Circuit Judge for Schuyler County. He retired from the Judiciary in July 1998.
Carson married Carol Ann Waters at the Presbyterian Church in Rushville on December 3, 1961. Their son Christopher Drake Klitz was born November 5, 1969, and they survive, as well as a German foreign exchange student, Christian Natusch, whom they hosted in 1992-1993 who has remained like a son to the family. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Dianne, and two grandsons, Brady Ross Klitz and Jason Christopher Klitz, both of Rushville. A sister-in-law, Launi Klitz of Rushville, IL, a nephew, Craig Klitz of Sullivan, Indiana, two nieces, Kimberly Carey and Kerri Himpsl, both of Rushville. He is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews: Brennan Klitz, Lindsay Moser, Jarrad Klitz, Coulten Klitz, Leah Koch, and Gabriella Himpsl. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Florence and Hy Booth, his brother, Donnie Klitz, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and John “Dice” Trone.
Carson bought his first Model T Ford in 1953, and over the years, he bought and restored several other Model Ts.
He and Carol enjoyed going on Model T tours on several occasions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Carson also enjoyed his 1931 Plymouth, which was like the one he drove in high school. He loved old pocket knives and had one of the largest collection of Ulster pocket knives in the country. He was also an avid 3-cushion billiard player and played nearly every day for many years.
Carson enjoyed many activities, including planting and nurturing his garden, and working the chain gang at RHS for 25 years. He was a member of P.R.I.D.E., a Schuyler County Fair Board Director, serving as Treasurer for 40 years, and achieved 55 years of service in 2025. He was President of the Scripps Park Board for several years, and also served on the Schuyler County Mental Health Board, Rushville Jaycees, Culbertson Foundation, Schuyler Athletic Board, and was active in many Masonic organizations and past Master of Rushville Lodge No. 9. He was a staunch conservative and was supportive and active in the Republican Party. Carson, together with June Conner and Brian Peak, attended several hearings to have Rushville selected as the site of the present DHS facility. He was also instrumental in initiating the restoration of the Schuyler County Courthouse, and with the knowledge and efforts of Marty Trinkle, the interior of the courthouse was beautifully restored. In 2015, Carson was elected Mayor of Rushville and was re-elected to a second term in 2019. Most recently, Carson worked with the Beardstown Housing Authority to build houses on empty lots, of which more than 20 new homes have been built to provide much needed housing for residents of Rushville. Carson loved his community and took great pride in making it a wonderful place to work and live. His greatest love was his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with Christopher while he was growing up, then working alongside him as he started Klitz Farms. He was especially proud of his grandsons, Brady and Jason, and attended as many of their events as he could throughout their years in school.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Worthington Funeral Home with Mr.
Jeff Ervin officiating. Interment will follow with Military Honors by Schuyler American Legion #4 and US Navy Honor Detail at the Phillips Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday September 23, 2025. Masonic Rites will follow. Memorials may be given to Schuyler County Humane Society, Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice or Snacks for Students. Private condolences or expressions of sympathy may be sent through the Worthington Funeral Home website www.worthingtonfh.com
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