Cliff Wagner dies at age 47

A 1974 Nevada High School graduate and long-time Branson entertainer, Cliff Wagner, 47, Hollister, died Tuesday when when the Jeep Wagner was driving ran off of the road on West Highway 76, Branson, and ended up partly inside a Pizza Hut restaurant.

Taney County Coroner David Rozell said it appeared to emergency responders that Wagner may not have died of injuries suffered during the crash and an investigation into the cause of death is under way.

"We're not sure of the cause, it could be a heart attack, a stroke or something else, we'll just have to wait for the results of tests before determining that," Rozell said.

Wagner is well remembered by residents of the community, especially those who worked with him in the Community Council of the Performing Arts and with community events. He often returned to Nevada and helped community organizations with fund-raising and other activities, most recently helping the United Way raise funds at last year's Octoberfest.

Wagner is nationally known for his performance at Presley's Country Jubilee in Branson. He has appeared on several programs on national television including "60 Minutes," "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "Regis and Kathy Lee Live," and the Muscular Dystrophy Telethons with Jerry Lewis.

Barb Lancaster, Presleys' Country Jubilee, released a statement from the group stating: "Our family is grieving the loss of our friend and fellow entertainer, Cliff Wagner. Cliff was a true professional in every way. It did not matter what stage he stepped on or which spotlight he was in, he had the unique ability to connect with the audience and make them his friends. He graced our stage for 14 years and never missed a single show, always giving 110 percent to every performance. Cliff touched all of our hearts and truly never met a stranger. He was also dedicated to making our community a better place by volunteering countless hours to help those in need. Everyone at Presleys' will miss him greatly and our prayers of comfort go out to all of Cliff's family and friends."

Wagner still has strong ties to the Vernon County community, and left behind his special friend LeAnn Kennedy; two brothers, Max Wagner and wife Donna of Nevada, Tony Wagner and wife Sandy of Springfield, sister Tina Overton of Nevada, Stepfather Bob Cox Jr. and Step grandmother Lela Cox, of Nevada

Wagner is also known for his Christian ministry. He was the minister of music for the First Baptist Church of Reeds Spring for 12 years until he established Cliff Wagner Ministries Inc. in 1998 with a commitment to share the Gospel through his music, comedy and dramatic readings.

Sara Lawhorne, Nevada Regional Medical Center Community Resources, said she remembered Wagner well. "He used to be a student of mine. It's always hard when someone so young dies, especially one who has done so much for the community."

Al Fenske, retired Cottey College professor, said that Wagner was one of the most active members of the CCPA in the early years. "He was one of the very, very active members in the theater. He did the lead in Godspell here and has played many many parts in other productions (of Godspell). He's been in a lot of different plays and other performances. He's helped us out here since he left as well. He has brought a lot of performers from Branson to Octoberfest and other activities here. He's always been a great performer, he was an actor's actor."

Two funeral services are planned. The first service at Tri-Lakes Cathedral, Branson, 7 p.m. Friday, with visitation from 5-7 at the cathedral. Another service Saturday at 1 p.m., at the Pine St. Baptist Church in Nevada. Visitation noon to service time. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Rich Hill.