by the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Dwayne Pletcher, 85,of Shipshewana passed away on Wednesday (July 5) at 11:45 p.m. at Parkview LaGrangeHospital, LaGrange, Ind. Pletcher was one of the nation’s top drivers anddevelopers of colts and a member of one of Chicago’s most famous harness racingfamilies.

Pletcher was born in Goshen on July 27, 1931, to Lester and IrmaPletcher. He drove his first race the day before he turned 15 in 1946 at theCassopolis, Mich. county fair, where in three heats with P.J. Volo he finished2-2-1, his first win. He graduated from Shipshewana High School in 1949 andserved in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in Korea. Upon his return he resumedharness racing as his career and passion.

Pletcher has won 1,477 races in hislifetime, including the Sportsman’s Park Midwest Derby three times withTransient in 1966, Teffe in 1970 and Overcast in 1973. Chaw, 1972 IllinoisHorse of the Year, was campaigned by him. Others in the long line of tophorses he’s handled include, Pacing Boy, Pepe Dancer, Shady Counsel, RightHonor, Galahad, Nemma Hanover, Sherry’s Honor, H.D. Counsel, Shady Mile, Sluf,Tuit and stakes winning Butter Up, Vieta, Miss Yankee Doodle and PerfectIllusion.

He earned more just under $5 million during his driving career since statistics have been tabulated and $1.4 million as a conditioner.

Pletcher was the leading driver at Maywood Park in 1958, and eigth in theNational Rating in 1959. He was a member of the Illinois Harness Horseman’sAssociation, the Indiana Standardbred Association and the United StatesTrotting Association. He raced in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio,Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania and California.

He mentored both of his sons,Steve and Jeff, who also made harness racing their life’s work.

Pletcher waspreceded in death by his father Lester, mother Irma and brother Donald. He issurvived by his wife of 63 years, Areta, two sons Steve (Vickie) Pletcher andJeff Pletcher, all of Shipshewana, grandson Brett (Amber) Pletcher and greatgrandchildren, Ethan, Landon and Bailey Pletcher of Topeka and brother DelmerPletcher of Howe.

No services will be held.

Please send condolences to PO Box6, Shipshewana, Ind. 46565 or donations to the Food and Clothes Basket inLaGrange, Ind. in Pletcher’s name. Online condolences may be sent at millerstewartfuneralhome.com.