Robert Sydney Bantz

Robert Sydney Bantz, 71, died April 3, 2011. He was born in Yates City, Ill., and lived in Fort Pierce. He graduated from Yates City High School in 1957. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Dennis J. Buckley from 1958 to 1962, attaining the rank of petty officer 2nd class. He was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration before retiring in 1996. He also ran a small hobby farm, built a mini-mall and managed a sporting goods store. He worked and volunteered with his wife at state and federal parks around the country and also regularly volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Survivors include his wife, Diane; sons, Jeffrey Bantz of Vero Beach and Joseph Bantz of West Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Julie Wilson of Rolla, Mo.; brothers, William, Harold, Gerald and James; and 10 grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hubbard House, 29 W. Miller St., Orlando, FL 32806.

Services: Services will be at 5 p.m. April 7 at Morning Star Church, Vero Beach.