Courtney J. Munson

Courtney John Munson, 84, of Little York, Illinois, died Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida, with family by his side. A graveside memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 14th at 1:00 PM at the New Boston Cemetery with the Aledo American Legion providing Military honors. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo is assisting the family. 

Courtney was born on March 4, 1941, in Little York, Illinois, to Robert Clifford and Wilma (Willits) Munson.

Motivated to be self-employed, Courtney bought his first truck in 1961 and started Munson Trucking soon after with his late brother, Robert Munson. Eventually, they grew what came to be Munson Transportation into a successful long-haul trucking company and became pioneers in satellite communication and dispatching. Heartland Express made an offer to purchase Munson Transportation in 1994 allowing Courtney to pursue a variety of business ventures in construction, real estate, and restaurants.

In his personal life, Courtney had a passion for speed. He raced boats for a number of years and was known to have a owned a variety of impressive vehicles, with and without titles. He never let his lack of rhythm stop him from dancing, and he enjoyed music to the very end. Courtney described himself as a collector and accumulated houses, cars, boats, furniture, art, and home and holiday decor. He was proud to have had six children spanning 38 years. He will be remembered for his gregarious personality—he never met a stranger—and as the life of the party from the banks of the Mississippi River to the Marina Cafe in Admirals Cove.

Courtney is survived by his six children; Paisley Espriella (Gustavo), Gretchen Quist (Ben), Maureen Zerr (Dan), Courtney Jared Munson, Chloe Munson, and Carter Munson. He is survived by the mothers of his children, Danielle Dix Munson and Paisley Parmeter Munson, and previous wife and friend Nancy MacKenzie. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Lolla and James Ballard of Monmouth, IL, numerous nieces and nephews, and five grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special note of gratitude to Chad Quist of West Palm Beach, Florida, for his steadfast friendship and to the entire Quist family for the sacrifices made for ours.