Branson entertainer dies

Branson comedian and musician Joey Riley died July 19 after losing a battle with stage 4 colon cancer. He was 43.

The announcement was made on the Facebook page for The Joey Riley Show.

Memorial services were held this morning at the Clay Cooper Theater, where he began performing in 2012 as part of Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express. The Joey Riley Show had operated at Music City Centre on the Highway 76 strip.

Riley, a steel guitarist, fiddle player and comedian, began performing at an early age in Texas before starting a 20-year career at the Mickey Gilley Theatre in Branson.

"He went to heaven peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by those who loved him. He will be missed by many, but we know he is in a better place, reunited with his mother and father and those who have gone on before him," show officials wrote in a Facebook post. "The Riley family can't thank everyone enough for all the love, support and kindness you have shown us during this trying time."