Obituaries

Carl Robert Rodgers-Yelder, 46, passed away on July 23, 2026. Services will be Saturday, August 8, 2026 beginning with visitation at 10 am and funeral service to follow at 12 noon at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 1018 S. 15th Street. Interment will be in Green Meadows Cemetery.

Carl was born on June 23rd 1980, to Darlene Y. Yelder and Carl R. Rodgers in Louisville, Ky. Carl knew and loved the Lord and attended St. Stephen Baptist Church. In his youth, Carl attended Whitney Young Elementary, Johnstown Elementary, Stuart Middle School, and Doss High School, where he was crowned Mr. DOSS in 1999. He enjoyed playing basketball and continued to play throughout the years. For post-secondary education, he attended Spaulding University for 2 years, where he also played basketball. During his year at Spaulding, he began the start of his DJing career.  During his DJing career, he hosted teen parties for the youth and was even a mentor. He was a hard, dedicated worker. His first job was working for his father at the dirt bowl on “Carl’s Mobile Munchies”.

Carl was a former employee at Courier Journal for a few years and the United States Postal Service for 14 years. During his time as a mail carrier, Carl took pride in his work and cherished the opportunity to brighten the days of those he served with his friendly personality and caring heart. Throughout his working career, he never lost his love and passion for DJing. Following in his father’s “Disco King” Carl Rodgers footsteps, he became Louisville’s favorite DJ, Hypeman, promoter, and entertainer, going by DJ Lil Carl. He loved to dance, make music, karaoke, and have a good time. Carl was the life of every party! In his spare time, he would watch and attend WWE matches, along with UofL and 49ers games.

Carl loved his family and friends. He never missed a moment when it came to them. He will truly be missed! Carl was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; four uncles; three aunties; and five cousins.

He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his mother, Darlene Yelder; father, Carl Rodgers; stepmother, Vivian; sisters, Crucita Beamus (Bennie), Tilita Heard (Won), Carlene Yelder (TJ), Carissa Rodgers; and Brother, Chris Rodgers; eight nieces, Shinky, Meme, Titi,  Dasia, Tasia, Bop, Carleigh, and Daya; four nephews, Lil E, Wonyae, Carter, Darris, and Carsen; three great-nephews; one great niece; and a host of many relatives and friends.