Walter E. Bantum III, 55, steel worker, veteran

Walter E. Bantum III, a retired steel worker, died of cancer Monday at his Aberdeen home. He was 55.

He retired in June from Bethlehem Steel's Sparrows Point plant, where he had worked for the past 24 years. He was a member of the United Steelworkers of America.

Born in Baltimore and raised in Cherry Hill and Wilson Park, he attended City College and later received his General Educational Development diploma. He attended Essex Community College.

He was an Army veteran and served in Vietnam. His awards included the Air, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign medals.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 2 at Bible Baptist Church of Aberdeen, 41 Mitchell Ave., Aberdeen.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, the former Gina Anderson; a stepson, Royce Bailey of Aberdeen; a daughter, Lilani Bantum of Aberdeen; two brothers, Raymond Bantum of Eldersburg and Karl Bantum of Abingdon; and a sister, Yvonne Richardson of Baltimore.