Ben Earnest Lee Wheeler, Jr., passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 49. He was born on March 23, 1976, in Abilene, Texas.

Ben was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time outdoors, especially horseback riding and fishing. Known for his easygoing nature and kind spirit, he was deeply loved by his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ben and Dorothy Wheeler; his maternal grandparents, James and JoAnn Ash; his cousin, Keith Wheeler; and his niece, Anna Wheeler.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving parents, Ben and Virginia Wheeler of Keithville, Louisiana; his uncle, Bill Wheeler of Norman, Oklahoma; and his aunt, Linda Dorman of Bay City, Michigan. He is also survived by his brothers, Charles Wheeler and wife Samantha of Tampa, Florida, James Wheeler and wife Stephanie of Blanchard, Louisiana, and Matthew Wheeler and wife Amanda of Benton, Louisiana.

Ben is further survived by his nephew, Bryan Wheeler; nieces, Melissa Williams, Brooklyn Puckett, Kaitlin Wheeler, Abag Wheeler, and Abbi Sasser; and his great-nephew, Jameson Williams. He also leaves behind his beloved companion, his “fur baby,” Lucy.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Eddie D. Jones State Park, located at 8400 Mike Clary Road, Keithville, Louisiana 71047.