Ben Wheeler

Ben Wheeler, a local rancher, passed away on March 27, 2026 at age 82.

Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Monday, March 30, 2026 at Miami Cemetery with Rev. Lewis Holland officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Ben was born on August 16, 1943, in Canadian to William Dow and Beulah June Wheeler. He spent his childhood growing up and living on the Jess Yokley Ranch outside of Canadian. Ben had many great memories of his years spent on the Ranch. He attended school in Canadian, graduating in 1961. Ben worked with the late Tommie Hennard at the Canadian Veterinary Clinic during his high school years, gaining knowledge that later served him in raising and running cattle.

Ben joined the Army National Guard after graduating Canadian High School and served for six years, leaving with a rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion Post 106 in Miami. On December 31, 1967, Ben married Cindy Coffee, who was his love, best friend and soul mate. Ben worked for Walter Graham at the Happy Hereford Ranch outside of Canyon, so Cindy could continue college at WTSU. They moved to Miami in 1969 to raise a family and go into business for themselves. Together they raised two sons, Benjamin Frederick II (Clint) and William Cleve.

Ben worked hard all his life. He learned to trim cattle feet from Rex Siebert while working at the Graham Ranch. When he moved to Miami, he started his own hoof trimming business. He trimmed for ranches and dairies throughout Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, even trimming for a dairy in Minnesota, making many lifelong friends along the way. Ben started his haying business by hauling hay in the summers, building fence and hauling boxcar loads of sacked cake to area ranchers in the winters when he wasn’t trimming. He later bought hay equipment and began baling hay on the Canadian River and surrounding ranches. Ben eventually bought land and began running cows and steers, he enjoyed being in the country taking care of his cattle.

Ben always made time for family life. He never missed his sons numerous football, basketball games and stock shows. He helped take youth groups to Glorieta and also served as sponsor for Miami ISD Senior Trips in 1978 and 1991. Ben served on the Miami ISD School Board.

Ben enjoyed traveling with his family and friends, making trips to the NFR, frequenting various casinos at Las Vegas and in Oklahoma. He also liked reading western novels, especially Louis L’Amour, playing Canasta and Dominoes with his extended family and grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Joyce Elliott and Sally Cox.

Surviving members of his family include his wife of 58 years, Cindy Wheeler of Miami; two sons, Clint Wheeler and wife Leah of Joshua, Texas; and Cleve Wheeler and wife Daphne of Miami; eight grandchildren, Lindsey Momsen and husband Brandt of Austin, Jaydyn Kowalski and husband Joe of Athens, Chase Crawford, Luke Wheeler and Kaelton Wheeler of Miami, Caden Wheeler, Mackenzie Wheeler, and Beau Wheeler of Joshua. Four Great Grandchildren: Holly and Miller Momsen, Aubin and Clifford Kowalski. Ben is also survived by four brothers, Billy Dow Wheeler of Amarillo, Tommie Wheeler and wife JoAnne of Miami, Jerry Wheeler and wife Valjean of Apache, Oklahoma, Rick Wheeler and wife Piata of Bedford; a sister: Eva Creacy of Canadian.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ben’s honor may be made to the Miami EMS and the Miami VFD.