Clifton “Cliff” Ray Braschler, age of 84, Branson, Missouri

Clifton “Cliff” Ray Braschler passed away on the 15^th day of February 2023 at the age of 84 near his home in Branson, Missouri. Cliff is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janice Braschler; daughter, Sherri Braschler-Weiss (Rex) of Ozark, Missouri; and sons: Todd Braschler (Claudia) of Branson, Missouri, Paul Braschler (Merissa) of Harrison, Arkansas, and Rick Braschler (Julie) of Branson, Missouri; and was a loved grandpa to twenty-one grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents: Paul and Lucille Braschler; stepmother, Emma Braschler; and sister, Glenna Wandling. 

Cliff was born on October 12, 1938, in a farmhouse near Doniphan, Missouri, to Paul and Lucille Braschler. He spent his early years working the farm with his dad, swimming, and fishing in the Current River, and attending the one-room schoolhouse on the dirt road in southern Ripley County. As a youth attending Doniphan High School, Cliff excelled in academics and played basketball, achieving All-State honors. These achievements would lead to his acceptance to the University of Missouri-Rolla to play basketball and study engineering. However, Cliff’s life took a turn soon after arriving at UMR, and after sensing a call to the ministry, he transitioned to Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana, to study religion and English. 

Cliff would serve as lead pastor of two churches in Anderson, Indiana, before leaving the state: Maple Grove Church of God and Irondale Church of God. In 1971, he was called to the First Church of God in Tampa, Florida, where he served as lead pastor for seven years, then in 1977 to the First Church of God in St. James, Missouri, where he finished his vocational ministry career. In 1984, Cliff moved to Branson, Missouri, to launch The Braschler Music Show, a family country and gospel music show. He was not only a partner in this venture, but also sang tenor in the quartet, served as emcee of the show, and made scores of people laugh as the “straight man” in many of the comedy sketches. Those in attendance will never forget Braschler’s powerful tenor voice delivering songs like “The King is Coming” and “The Lighthouse.” After winning “Gospel Show of the Year” on several occasions, and being awarded the “Branson Family Tradition Award,” Cliff retired from the music industry and the Braschler Music Show ended after twenty-three years of entertaining Branson visitors.  In 2017, Braschler received the Pioneer Award for his years of Branson entertainment.

In his personal life, Cliff loved the outdoors and spent most of his free time hunting or fishing with kids or grandkids. Whether wading Bull Creek for small mouth, trolling for Walleye on Bull Shoals, sitting in a tree stand for deer, or even joining his kids for a Colorado elk hunt, he loved the adventure and fellowship of time outside with friends and family. But, when baseball season started in the spring, you would likely find Cliff and his bride, Janice sitting in front of the tv watching the Cardinals and another race to the World Series. Cliff would know the history of the league and player stats, while Janice would fill in the personal stories of all the players—their birthplace, family history, number of kids, injuries, and where they go to church. 

Whether serving in ministry or entertaining thousands, Cliff and Jan were in it together. Their marriage is a testament to the covenant they made to God and each other, and it stands as firm today as it did in that small church in Minnesota over 61 years ago. Cliff was a man of his word and never strayed from his profession of faith in Jesus Christ, his devotion to his bride, his duty to raise children in the admonition of the Lord and to love his neighbor as himself. Of all the accomplishments he could boast, Cliff spoke more often about the people he led to Jesus and had the privilege to baptize. In departing this life, his desire is that all of us would do the same. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of these worthy causes near to Cliff’s heart:

Todd Braschler Ministries          https://toddbraschler.com/shopping/

Kanakuk Ministries                https://kanakuk.com/donate/

Crossroads Community Church Music Ministry          https://crossroadsharrison.org/give

American Cancer Society          https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on March 12, 2023, at Crossroads Community Church, 2658 Old Bergman Rd, Harrison, Arkansas 72601, with Johnny Walters officiating.  The Braschler family will be welcoming guests starting at 2:00 p.m. in the main sanctuary.  Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.