Joseph L. Wantz

Joseph L. Wantz, 86, formerly of Westminster, Md., died Monday, May 8, 2006, at Homewood at Plum Creek, Hanover. He was the husband of the late V. Elizabeth Hull Wantz. Born February 8, 1920, in New Oxford, he was a son of the late Soloman Edward and Edna Jane Carbaugh Wantz. Mr. Wantz was a realist painter for more than 60 years. Selftaught, his God-given talent was evident at childhood. His paintings and prints are appreciated in homes and businesses throughout the United States. He retired from the State of Maryland in 1974. A veteran of WWII, he served in Army Air Force Signal Corps as a Pigeoneer with the 351st Airborne Combat Cargo, serving in the China, Burma, and India Theatres. Mr. Wantz was a member of Westminster Church of the Brethren and Hesson-Snider Post 120 American Legion in Taneytown. Surviving is a daughter and son-in-law, N. Pat and Steve Sleightholm of Nazareth, Pa.; a granddaughter, Chris Prince of Newark, Del.; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers and one sister. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Westminster Church of the Brethren, Bond St. and Park Place, Westminster, Md. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Skiles Funeral Home, Taneytown, Md., is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Church of the Brethren Memorial Fund, Bond St. and Park Place, Westminster, MD 21157.