Franklin Ellsworth Gaines Obituary

We are sad to announce that on November 8, 2025, at the age of 86, Franklin Ellsworth Gaines (Lincoln, Nebraska) passed away. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Franklin Ellsworth Gaines to pay them a last tribute.

In the sacred silence of farewell, Franklin is released into the embrace of eternity, knowing that his light will continue to shine brightly in the tapestry of the lives of his loved ones. And as his memory is carried forward, may comfort be found in the knowledge that love is eternal, and that Franklin's spirit lives on in the beauty that surrounds us.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Kenneth Sams and Floss Lenore Gaines (Chambers); and his brother Michael. He is survived by: his wife Darlene Muffly (Shaffer); his children, Scott Gaines (Patrice), Phil Gaines (Ann), Mary Mayfield (Steve), Andrew Muffly (Lisa) and Shannon Jarvis (John); and his sister Cathy Mattoon (Steve). He is also survived by two nieces; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Food Bank of Lincoln or the Ashland-Greenwood Schools Foundation.