BENTON – Charles Wilburn Wheeler Jr., 71, of Benton, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

He was born to Charles Wilburn Wheeler Sr. and Patricia Sue (Carr) Wheeler.

Mr. Wheeler worked as a foreman at Carmi Molded Rubber in Carmi. He was a member of Delafield Baptist Church and was an avid musician who played many instruments. He also founded the original Rolling Country Band.

Survivors include three daughters, Melinda Potter and Sarah (Larry) Flannigan, both of Mount Vernon, and Emily Potter of Billings, Montana; two sons, Charles (Beth) Wheeler III of McLeansboro and David (Bobbie) Potter of Evansville, Indiana; two sisters, Sandy (Jeff) Bullock of Dahlgren and Susie (Dennis) Friedman of McLeansboro; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Maywood (Bentley) Wheeler.

Per his wishes, no local services are planned. His ashes will be combined with those of his wife and spread by his family at a special location in Kentucky at a later date.

The Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.