Joseph Filmore Wantz

Joseph Filmore Wantz, 98, of Westminster, Maryland, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 30, 2024. He was blessed with the constant care of his family and the staff at Weikert's Care Home, Littlestown, PA in his final weeks. Born December 9, 1925 in Baltimore County, MD, Joe was the son of the late Noah and Ruth (Bowers) Wantz. He was the devoted husband of 64 years to Mary Grace (Shaffer) Wantz who preceded him in death September 11, 2016. He retired from Black and Decker Corporation in 1987 after 21 years of employment. Prior to this, he was a farm worker from his youth. 

Surviving are his children, Daniel Wantz and wife Cynthia of Taneytown, Shirley Metcalf and husband Jasper of North Ft. Myers, FL, Marilyn Baumgartner of Littlestown, PA, and Kenneth Wantz and wife Beth of Chesapeake, VA; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; his brother Roger Wantz; his sisters, Alice Fritz and Nancy Miller; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers: Norman, Roy, Wayne, and Glen Wantz, and his sisters: Catharine Wantz, Viola Wentz, and Pauline Utz. 

Joe was a quiet, gentle man who loved the Lord and his family, and he set an example of consistency, integrity, and Christian service. At the Church of the Nazarene in Westminster, he faithfully supported the church, served as a trustee, and oversaw facility maintenance for many years. Joe loved to be outdoors, and he enjoyed this for most of his career. At home, he was happiest working in his garden or resting on his porch swing in the shade. He delighted to share fresh produce from the garden, and he was famous for his delicious Silver Queen sweet corn. 

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12 at the First Church of the Nazarene, 147 Sullivan Road, Westminster, MD 21158. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Private burial will take place at the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Uniontown, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Westminster First Church of the Nazarene.