HAMPTON -- Horace M. Batchelder, 75, of 26 Towle Farm Road, died Thursday, Feb. 2, at Exeter Hospital after being stricken at his home.

Born in Hampton Falls, Jan. 31, 1909, he was the son of the late Nathaniel and Minnie (Brown) Batchelder.

In 1944 Mr. Batchelder took over operation of the family ice business after the death of his father and operated it until his retirement in 1973.

For nearly 30 years he was a school bus driver for the Berry Transportation Company, and operated and maintained Batchelder's Pond with a wood hearted shelter for residents' ice skating.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, a 50-year member and past master of Oceanside Grange, a member of Pamona State and Grange National.

Survivors include his widow, Marjorie (Ford) Batchelder; a daughter, Betty Hart of Hampton; a son; Robert M. Batchelder of Stratham, six grandchildren; a brother, Oscar Batchelder of Hampton; three sisters, Mrs. Beatrice Shaw of Hampton, Mrs. Dorothy Wiggin of Hampton and Miss Elsie Batchelder; and several nieces and nephews.

Services were conducted Sunday, Feb. 5, at the United Methodist Church of Hampton. The Rev. Philip A. Crane,southern district superintendent, N.H. Conference of United Methodists, officiated. Sylvia Moulton was organist.

More than 250 people attended, including many church members, Oceanside Grange members, members of Pomona State and Grange National, Selectmen Ashton J. Norton and Louisa K. Woodman, and Rev. George Paul.