Branson benefit held in Wagner's memory

Native Nevadan Carl Clifton "Cliff" Wagner, a popular Branson singer, multi-instrumentalist, comedian and master of ceremonies who died eight years ago at age 47, was remembered last weekend at the First Annual Cliff Wagner Tribute Show at the Hughes Brothers Theatre in Branson.

"Cliff's legacy of community service lives on," a spokeswoman said. "In that spirit of helping others, local performers came together to help three area food pantries.

"Now more than ever in the aftermath of an EF-2 tornado, we need to have a food supply."

Branson entertainers Jim Stafford, Clay Cooper, Randy Plummer and the Hughes Brothers were among those who helped raise $3,300, spokeswoman Jackie Scott said.

A tornado had hit the Missouri town Feb. 29, injuring more than 40 people, destroying mobile homes, knocking down trees and power lines and damaging theaters on the Highway 76 strip, the Associated Press reported.

Reporting that 500 people attended the Sunday afternoon benefit, Scott said, "One of Cliff's best friends, Dr. Paul Collins of Acts Ministry International in Springfield, has produced a gospel CD that Cliff had finished the voice tracks for.

"The proceeds will go to the CAM-Forsyth, Hope Center and Cross Roads food pantries of Taney County. The CD's title is 'One More Soul' and it's available from Acts Ministry for $15. Or you can call me at (417) 294-3149 and order it over the phone," she said.

Scott said a DVD of the show will also be sold. Acts Ministry may be reached at P.O. Box 11084, Springfield, Mo. 65808, (417) 886-0223 or its Web site.

Wagner's survivors include his sister, Tina Overton of Nevada, and brothers, Tony of Springfield and Max of Nevada.

Max said Thursday that it "was a good show with Mayor Raeanne Presley saying Cliff was an honest person who would do anything for anybody.

"I think his stage personality was something he picked up in Branson," Max Wagner said. "He learned a lot from Herkimer at the Presleys' Country Jubilee. He'd wear big glasses and shorts pulled way up. He could sit there and make you laugh. He touched a lot of hearts."

Max Wagner said his brother, a 1974 Nevada High School graduate, did many Christian musicals for Collins' ministry along with performing at Nevada churches and joining Tony for theatrical roles with the local Community Council on the Performing Arts.

"We sponsor a scholarship at the high school for students in music and drama," Max Wagner said. "Anyone who wants to add to the scholarship may donate anything they would like."

He said his brother's autopsy was inconclusive, indicating that his heart "was knocked out of rhythm" by the vehicle's steering wheel but not proving he had a heart attack when he ran off Highway 76 and into a Pizza Hut about 11 p.m. Feb. 3, 2004. He is buried at Fairview Cemetery in Rich Hill.

Collins said Cliff Wagner "never missed a show in 15 years as emcee of the Presleys' show.

"I preached his funeral in the Mel Tillis Theatre and it was the biggest ever held in Branson, even bigger than Boxcar Willie's," said Collins. "Cliff was on his way home from rehearsing the Reed Springs High School Musical when the accident happened.

"We had a second funeral at the First Baptist Church in Nevada, where he was a member."

Collins said Wagner was an honor graduate of Crowder College in Neosho who earned a bachelor's degree at Central Methodist University in Fayette. "Cliff was a gentle man with an infectious smile who gave of himself," Collins said.

"He would stick out his hand and say, 'How are you doing, pal?' or 'Hey, buddy!' He had a winning personality."