Robert Wantz

Robert Vernon Wantz, 94, of Saginaw, MI, passed away on July 1, 2026. Born in Baltimore, MD, to Sherman and Marie Wantz, Bob was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving as a Navy radio-telegrapher aboard the USS Coral Sea.

A serial entrepreneur, Bob’s career notably served the people in public safety. He founded Maryland Police Supply and later moved to Michigan to lead operations for Second Chance Body Armor and served as President of the Protective Armor Association. His marketing of security technology helped pioneer the use of metal detectors found in airports, hospitals, sports venues, and public buildings today.

In 1985, Bob married the love of his life, Diana, beginning a 40-year marriage of mind and heart. A master storyteller and Dale Carnegie student, Bob was known for his wit, his love of the American history, and his delight in Maryland crabs and oysters.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; his children, David (Susan) Wantz, Jeffrey (Kathi) Wantz, and Suzie (Jamie) DeVaughn; her children, Andrea (Bill) McDonald and Brent (Janine) Coaster; half-brothers, Carl and Stephen Byrne. His legacy also continues through a host of grandchildren: Jacob Wantz, Annie (Odaro) Omusi, Jesse LeBrun, Aubrey (Hamilton) Townsend, Corbett (Anna) Wantz, Zachary (Ashley) DeVaughn, Joshua (Kayla) DeVaughn, Caleb (Killian) DeVaughn, Zachary Mueller, Ashley, Ryan, and Shawn McDonald, Eric (Tanya) McDonald, Bill McDonald, and Kate McDonald, Ava, Briton, Maisie, and Bowen Coaster,. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Charley Dickey, Maxwell and Elizabeth Townsend, and Raeleigh and Kodie Wantz, Addison, Molly and Isaac DeVaughn, Julia and Levi Cain, Annika and Vivika McDonald.

He is preceded in death by daughter Robin Lee Wantz and his three siblings.

A clever conversationalist to the end, Bob is now surely loitering at the Pearly Gates chatting with St. Peter.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at the VA Palliative Care Unit where Bob spent his final five months.

A private family service will be held in Bob’s honor.

Bob and Diana are planning to help remodel a family room at the VA Hospice Care Unit.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to this cause with checks payable to:

Saginaw VA- Memo: CLC Improvements

Send to: Saginaw VA, Adam Hayward-Lupo

Chief of Center for Development

Aleda E Lutz VAMC 655

1500 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI 48602

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com