MECHANIC FALLS – Frederick “Fred” Leighton, 69, of Mechanic Falls died Tuesday, April 28, at his home.

He was born in Lewiston, on Aug. 21, 1939, the son of Harry W. and Frances Johnson Leighton. He graduated from Edward Little High School and was an early pioneer in forming the Senior Little League field at L-A Airport. He was also coach and manager of the Auburn Suburban Little League.

He was an ironworker, and a car salesman; he owned his own car sales business. He was a race car driver, an avid sports fan, and he loved kids and people. In 1966, he received his first sulky race horse driver-trainer license and owned horses.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Lewiston. He enjoyed camping; he was an outdoor person. He always went to the races in Loudon, N.H., and loved to winter in Florida.

He is survived by his companion, Jennifer Parsons of Mechanic Falls; a stepdaughter, Stephanie Foster and her husband, Rene, and their children, Brandon and Christopher; four brothers, Heywood Leighton of Turner and Florida, Harry Leighton Sr. of Auburn, Randall Leighton of Texas, and Lawrence Leighton of Florida; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Tracie Lee; his son, Ray Thibodeau; and his brother, Edward.