Mr. Charles Lee “Chuck” Benjamin, 69, of Webb City, departed this life suddenly on Sunday morning at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin. 

Chuck entered this life on July 26, 1952, in Joplin, one of three sons born to Paul and Virginia (Phillips) Benjamin. He was a lifelong resident of Webb City and a 1971 graduate of Webb City High School.

On July 2, 1974, he was united in marriage to Linda Wingo, and to this union two daughters were born, Tara and Tami. For 17 years, he was employed by Montgomery Ward in the automotive department. Chuck retired in 2017 from Rock-Tenn in Joplin. He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards, visiting area casinos and helping others. He loved Webb City Cardinal Football, the Kansas Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Benjamin; his wife, Linda Benjamin, on Feb. 27, 2009; and a brother, Steve Benjamin. 

Chuck is survived by his companion of nearly 10 years, Carol Mahurin, of the home; five children, Tara Reuscher and husband David, New Baden, Ill., Tami Martinez and husband Andy, New Town, N.D., Jennifer Baldwin and husband John, Joplin, Melissa Foster and husband, Leland, Joplin and Daniel Sweeten and wife Lily, Oronogo; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandsons; his mother, Virginia English, Joplin; a brother, David Benjamin, Olathe, Kan.; and a host of other family and friends. 

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Chad DeGonia officiating. The family will receive friends at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.