Brian Risner

(Clinton, Feb. 2, 2012) - Hickman Countians were shocked yesterday to learn of the sudden death of Brian Risner at age 41.

Risner was found unresponsive in the Keg Restaurant in Fulton in early afternoon. Emergency workers were called and he was taken to Parkway Regional Hospital where efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.  According to family friends,  Risner had a history of heart ailments.  They recalled that he had open heart surgery in his early thirties.

Risner and former Hickman County Gazette editor Gaye Bencini created The Hickman County Times in December 2010. The Times featured an online edition that included video interviews and footage of local meetings and events. The paper first came out as risnerweb.com. On December 14, 2010, the first printing rolled off the press. That issue linked to an interview with incoming mayor of Clinton Tommy Kimbro.

Risner was active in his church and in community events. He worked with the other volunteers to launch the first Spring Chicken Fest in April 2011. Meetings had begun for this year’s festival. A talented artist, Risner designed the dancing chicken logo for the festival which was printed on hundreds of t-shirts. 

On the morning of his death, Risner sold his interest in the paper to Tommy Kimbro, the subject of his first Hickman County Times interview. According to Kimbro, when the paperwork was done at the Times office, Risner left, saying he would be back later. That was not to be.

The following is posted on The Hickman County Times  website:

Mr. Brian Wesley Risner, age 41 of Clinton passed away 3:05 PM Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Parkway Regional Hospital. He was a member of Clinton First Assembly of God, a graphic designer with an associate’s degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta and Co-Founder and Publisher of Hickman County Times. He is survived by his son, Chancler Risner of Clinton; daughter, Madison Risner of Clinton; parents, Robert W. and Linnie Frazier Risner both of Greenville, KY; Brother, Bobby (Kelly) Risner of Clinton; grandmother, Anna Caulder of Powderly, KY and Mother-in-law, Dorothy Stricker of Clinton. He is preceded in death by his wife, Anna Marietta Stricker Risner. Memorial Services will be held 2 PM Monday at the Clinton First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Lynn Terry officiating. Friends may call after 10 AM at the Church on Monday. Brown Funeral Home in Clinton are in charge of the arrangements. Donations: The Risner Children Trust Fund, c/o First Community Bank, 114 East Jackson Street, Clinton, KY 42031.