Richard Van Tassel Des Autels (1910 - 1968)

Born 11 Dec 1910 in Paragould, Greene, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Patricia Lucille (Burnett) Flatt — married 17 Nov 1931 (to before 1943) in Doña Ana, New Mexico, United States

Died 2 Sep 1968 at age 57 in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States

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Biography

Richard Des Autels is Notable.

Richard Van Tassel Des Autels is a notable figure in broadcasting and entertainment due to his multifaceted talents and enduring contributions. From his beginnings as an accomplished announcer and director in the radio industry to his pivotal roles in television, film, and theater, Des Autels showcased remarkable versatility. His involvement in innovative programs, such as "Television Close-Ups" and "Skippy Hollywood Theatre," highlighted his ability to engage audiences and adapt to evolving mediums. Moreover, his commitment extended beyond the spotlight, as he served in the U.S. Navy Reserves during World War II. Richard's impact on the broadcasting landscape, his dynamic presence in various creative pursuits, and his unwavering dedication make him a significant and memorable figure in the world of entertainment.^[1]

Richard Van Tassel Des Autels, born on December 11, 1910, in Paragould, Greene County, Arkansas, entered the world with a name that would become synonymous with broadcasting and entertainment excellence. His parents, James A. Des Autels and Phoebe Catherine (Van Tassel) Des Autels, were known to alternate between the spellings "Des Autels" and "Desautels," adding an intriguing dimension to his family's identity.^[1] In 1920, the Des Autels family embarked on a journey that would take them from the quiet streets of Paragould to new horizons.^[2] They relocated to East 8th Street in Flint, Genesee County, Michigan, before embarking on further adventures that led them to Norfolk, Virginia, and finally settling in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas in 1923.^[3]

It was in El Paso that Richard's talents began to bloom. He attended El Paso High School, where he made his mark both on the track and in the theater. Amidst his studies, he found time to engage in creative pursuits, collaborating with fellow students to present a chalk talk during his freshman year. Two years later, he penned the libretto for the two-act comic opera "Brutuspanto," a work in which he also took to the stage. He shared the limelight with none other than Harry Hickox, a fellow student who would later rise to fame as an American actor.^[1]

Upon graduating high school, Richard's path led him to broadcasting. He joined the staff of Radio Station KTSM, where he honed his skills as an announcer. His passion and dedication soon propelled him to the position of program director at KTSA in San Antonio. He later returned to KTSM in El Paso, Texas, leaving an indelible mark on the airwaves.^[1][4] By 1930, his address on Monroe Avenue in El Paso was a testament to his growing presence in the world of broadcasting.^[5]

In the midst of his career ascent, Richard's personal life blossomed. On November 17, 1931, he joined Patricia Lucille Burnett in Dona Ana, New Mexico, in matrimony. Their union would provide a strong foundation for the adventures ahead.^[6][7]

In 1940, a new chapter unfolded as Richard and Patricia relocated to California. Their residence on Wilton Place in Los Angeles marked the beginning of their West Coast journey.^[8] With his wife by his side, Richard continued to pursue his passion for broadcasting, assuming the role of director. His skills extended beyond the microphone as he ventured into play-by-play coverage, lending his voice to NBC Blue Network's Pacific Coast Professional Football League (PCPFL) broadcasts in 1941. The following year, his hosting duties extended to "I Solemnly Swear," a daily U.S. Navy recruiting program on KFAC in Los Angeles.^[1]

The winds of war soon swept Richard into a new chapter of his life. From September 2, 1942, to November 13, 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy Reserves, achieving the rank of Chief Specialist (CSP).^[9] During this period, love once again graced his life as he married Betty Jane McPherson (maiden name Sheffler) in October 1943.^[1][10]

The post-war era saw Richard's talents continue to shine. In 1947, he co-hosted the acclaimed listener-participation giveaway show "Three Alarm" alongside Frank Graham. This venture was met with enthusiastic response, showcasing Richard's ability to connect with audiences. The following year, he joined forces with producer-director Jerry Fairbanks, lending his narration skills to NBC's "Television Close-Ups," a series of mini-documentaries exploring historical subjects.^[1]

From 1949 to 1950, Richard's journey took him to the dramatic anthology series "Skippy Hollywood Theatre." Under the moniker "Van, the Skippy Man," he served as an announcer, collaborating with producer-director Les Mitchel and composer Del Castillo. Not content with just voice work, Richard made his mark as a feature actor in an episode titled "Double Talk."^[1][11]

Richard's star continued to rise, and his name graced the credits of several films, including "Willie and Joe Back at the Front" (1952), "Bloodhounds of Broadway" (1952), "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953), "The Robe" (1953), and "The Crooked Web" (1955), where he portrayed diverse characters that showcased his versatility. Television appearances added further dimension to his career, with notable roles in series like "The Lone Ranger" (1953) and "Combat Sergeant" (1956).^[1]

In 1961, a new chapter beckoned as Richard assumed the role of news anchor at KTAR-TV in Phoenix, Arizona, a position he held until 1967. His professionalism and dedication earned him a special place in the hearts of viewers.^[1][4]

As his career evolved, Richard found solace in his personal life. About a year before his passing, he made a home in North Hollywood, California. However, on September 2, 1968, the broadcasting world lost a luminary. Richard Van Tassel Des Autels passed away three days after his admission to the U.S. Veterans Hospital in North Hollywood.^[4] The details surrounding his death were shrouded in mystery, but it was known that he had battled a chronic throat ailment the previous year.^[1] His legacy lives on through his impactful work, and he was laid to rest at Los Angeles National Cemetery in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.^[9]

Richard's journey from the quiet streets of Paragould to the bright lights of Hollywood was one of passion, perseverance, and dedication to the craft of communication. He left an indelible mark on the world of broadcasting, theater, and film, forever etching his name in the annals of entertainment history.^[4]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10} Wikipedia contributors, "Van Des Autels," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Van_Des_Autels&oldid=1160022199 (accessed August 25, 2023).
2. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Flint Ward 6, Genesee, Michigan; Roll: T625_766; Page: 18A; Enumeration District: 54 Ancestry Record 6061 #17645863
3. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, El Paso Times, El Paso, Texas, 8 Feb 1966, Tue. - Page 22. "James A. Des Autels Funeral Thursday." Accessed 25 Aug 2023.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3} Newspaper Clipping, El Paso Times, El Paso, Texas, 3 Sep 1968, Tue. - Page 20. "Former Radio Man Dies Monday." Accessed 25 Aug 2023.
5. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: El Paso, El Paso, Texas; Page: 18B; Enumeration District: 0074; FHL microfilm: 2342063 Ancestry Record 6224 #64145477
6. ↑ New Mexico, Select County Marriage Records, 1905-1999: Dona Ana County Clerk's Office; Las Cruces, New Mexico; Dona Ana County Marriage Records Ancestry Record 61844 #90052601
7. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, El Paso Times, El Paso, Texas, 18 Nov 1931, Wed. - Page 3. "Wedding Announcement." Accessed 25 Aug 2023.
8. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Roll: m-t0627-00402; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 60-333 Ancestry Record 2442 #74961458
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1} U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1861-1985: National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, MO, USA; Applications for Headstones, 1/1/1925 - 6/30/1970; NAID: 596118; Record Group Number: 92; Record Group Title: Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General Ancestry Record 2375 #2937927
10. ↑ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007: Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 #40491528
11. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Roll: 3061; Page: 15; Enumeration District: 66-670 Ancestry Record 62308 #263693228