GREENWOOD, Del. — Pleasant Batson, Jr., 84, passed away and into the presence of his Savior Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, with family by his side. He was born June 17, 1936, in Wilmington.
After graduating from high school, he began a 65-year career owning, training and driving Standardbred harness horses and running Batson’s Harness Shop, which he opened in 1958. It is believed to be the longest solely-owned, continuously-operating harness shop in the country. He offered horse equipment, supplies, and, for many years, specialized in making custom leather hand-stitched items for show horses. He also used his leather-working abilities to help people with hard-to-fit-prosthetic limbs with his most notable client being Baseball Hall of Famer, Bill Veeck, for whom he designed a custom strap to hold his wooden peg in place.
People always remarked that he was aptly named Pleasant because of his kind and likable way. He had a quick smile and was good at telling funny stories. When he received the 2020 Special Appreciation Award from the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association (DSOA) earlier this year, the emcee summed it up perfectly by introducing him as an “all around wonderful and much-loved friend in the harness racing industry.” He was a longtime member of the DSOA, and, prior to his illness, faithfully attended church, where he served as the front door greeter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloise and Pleasant Batson Sr.; three sisters, Frances Newton, Jeannie Horne and Joann Murphy; and wife of 53 years, Dolores M. Batson.
He is survived by his second wife, Nancy J. Batson; daughter, Rebecca B. Kidner (C. Scott Kidner); three grandsons, Jack, Jeffrey and Grant Kidner; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
A viewing will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, at Andrews Mortuary, Valley Chapel, with a graveside service immediately following at 11 a.m. at Oleander Memorial Gardens, both in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the horse rescue and adoption non-profit, Horse Lovers United Inc., P.O. Box 2744, Salisbury, MD 21802.
Share online condolences with the family at Torbert Funeral Chapels, Dover, Delaware.
