Argus :: Obits :: Carson Klitz

Carson D. Klitz, 87, of Rushville died Sept. 16, 2025, at Rushville Nursing and Rehabilitation Home in Rushville.

He was born Jan. 20, 1938, in Quincy, a son of Cyril George Carson Jesse Klitz and Florence Marie Everett. Shortly after the birth of his brother, Donnie, on Feb. 5, 1941, his father abandoned the family, and Florence married F.A. “Hy” Booth in Rushville in 1945. Both boys were raised by their mother and stepfather.

He married Carol Ann Waters in Rushville on Dec. 3, 1961. Their son Christopher Drake Klitz was born Nov. 5, 1969, and they survive, as well as a German foreign exchange student, Christian Natusch, whom they hosted in 1992-93 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, a nephew, Craig Klitz of Sullivan, Ind., 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 one brother, Donnie Klitz.

He 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. He 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 and Q Railroad in Beardstown. 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 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.

He enjoyed 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 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 the interior of the courthouse restoration. In 2015, he was elected Mayor of Rushville and was re-elected to a second term in 2019.

Most recently, he 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.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Mr. Jeff Ervin officiating. Burial will follow with Military Honors by Schuyler American Legion #4 and US Navy Honor Detail at the Phillips Cemetery. Masonic Rites will follow.

Memorials may be made to Schuyler County Humane Society, Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice or Snacks for Students.