Franklin Milo Leighton, Jr. Obituary (1932 - 2012)

Fairfield, Maine - Franklin Milo Leighton Jr., passed away quietly on Monday evening, December 24, 2012, at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, Maine. He had been living with Alzheimer's. He was born in Newbury, VT on January 22, 1932, the son of Franklin Milo Leighton Sr., and Myrtie (Wheeler) Leighton. He attended school in Newbury, VT, graduating from High School in 1951. Enlisting in the United States Air Force shortly after graduation, Frank served eight years and retired as Staff Sergeant in 1960. During his career in the Air Force, he worked on the guidance system for the Hound Dog Missile. After retiring from the Air Force, Frank began a second career as a truck driver. He received an award for 14 years of Outstanding Service for Ed Thayer Inc. in 1997. He was an avid Nascar fan. He enjoyed recording every race and shared his passion for the sport with his sons. He was also a Red Sox and Patriots fan. Frank married Barbara Appleton whom he had gone to high school with in Newbury, VT. Although they were friends in high school they didn't become a couple and get married for several years. They both put their careers first and found each other again in 1960. They married in April of 1963. During their nearly 50 years of marriage, they were blessed with two sons: Scott and Marc Leighton. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Franklin Milo Leighton Sr., and Myrtie Leighton; and sister, Louise Hildreth. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Leighton; his children, Scott Leighton of Clinton, Maine, Marc Leighton and spouse Tina Leighton of Fairfield, Maine. He is also survived by four grandchildren; Scott D. Leighton, Kyle R. Leighton, Zachary R. Leighton, and Kaylie R. Leighton, as well as several nieces, nephews, several friends, and neighbors including one special neighbor who cared for him during his final months, Anita MacKenzie. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held for Frank at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, Maine, on Saturday, January 5, from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Franks Honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C Scarborough, ME 04074