George Darwin Vits

George Darwin Vits passed from this life April 14, 2024, after a short illness.  He died at his home in Golden, Colorado.  He was known by either first name in Illinois, where he grew up, and Colorado.

George Darwin was the first child born to George J. and Viola Lockwood Vits in late Spring. The story of his birth was entertaining: born at a rural home with a doctor in attendance, he was kept warm at the back of the heating stove.

After graduation from Pana High School in 1956, he began working for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Decatur, Illinois. During the 1950’s steel strikes and Caterpillar layoffs, George attended Eastern Illinois University.

George Darwin and Carole Ann Stevenson were married in Charleston, Illinois, on August 19, 1958, her parents’ 25th wedding anniversary. Their sons were born in Charleston. Following graduation, the family moved to Pana, Illinois.

A few years later they moved to Decatur, IL, then to Golden, CO, where they have lived for over 50 years. George continued to work for Caterpillar with each move.  He retired after 33 years with the company.

George is survived by his wife of 65 years, sons Steven (D’Ann) and Scott (Barbara). There are 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family enjoyed RVing, camping and travel throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. The majority was in the RV of the moment, from truck campers to motorhomes, a constant source of joy for George. His other love was flying a Cessna for a number of years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m., May 18, at Rockland Community Church, Golden. Graveside services will be in Pana, Illinois, Mound Cemetery, on June 8 at 10 a.m..