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Stephen Gaines Obituary
Stephen Arthur Gaines, 87
November 23, 2023
Stephen Arthur Gaines, 87, of Lincoln, passed away on November 23, 2023. He was born in 1936, in Lincoln, NE, to Stephen and Coleata (Crink) Gaines.
Stephen is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon (Kokes) Gaines, his children Jeffrey (Tammy), Susan (Greg), Jerry, Patrick (Koelle Simpson) and Samantha (Clint), along with 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Stephen was preceded in death by his siblings Gary Gaines, Fred Gaines and Gretchen Gaines Lucht.
Stephen earned degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln including a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Master of Fine Arts in Theater. He taught in the Hastings and Ashland Public Schools from 1967-70 followed by a 20+ year tenure as a scenic designer, producer and artist-in-residence with Nebraska Educational Television Network.
Stephen was a prolific writer, poet, and actor of regional and national acclaim. In his more than fifty years as a performer, he starred in iconic roles on stage, television, and radio, including Lincoln's Flatwater Shakespeare Company and Hay Market Theater, Studio Arena Theater (Buffalo, NY) and Pittsburgh Public Theater. As a founding member of the Nebraska Repertory Theatre Company, he created more than twenty roles. Stephen was also seen in the ABC mini-series AMERIKA, OH PIONEERS, a Hallmark Production and the PBS production THE TRIAL OF STANDING BEAR. He received the Lincoln Arts Council Mayor's Arts Award in 2012.
Celebration of his Life will be 10:30 AM, Friday, December 15, 2023 at Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln, NE. Service will be Livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/BMLFuneralStreaming/live it is not necessary to have a Facebook account to view the stream. Also, if there is recorded music during the service, Facebook may mute the audio during those times. Thank you for your patience in advance, Butherus, Maser & Love. Condolences can be sent to www.bmlfh.com Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Gaines
Sponsored by Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home - Lincoln.
MaryAnne Loos
December 16, 2023
Dear Sharon and family - I am so sorry to hear of Steven's passing. Sharon - please know that I am thinking and praying for you!
Todd
December 12, 2023
So sorry to hear of Papa Gaines' passing.
judy fallon
December 4, 2023
One of my fondest memories is when I had Mr. Gaines for speech class in high school. He became a splendid friend and advisor. A talented man in the theater arts. He shall be missed greatly.
Caitlin Nelson
November 29, 2023
Caitlin Nelson
November 29, 2023
Caitlin Nelson
November 29, 2023
Caitlin Nelson
November 29, 2023
Caitlin Nelson
November 29, 2023
I love you Grandpa
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Funeral services provided by:
Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home - Lincoln4040 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510
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