Walter A. (Hank) Richards Jr.; Radio Writer

Walter A. (Hank) Richards Jr., 81, broadcasting innovator and author of a best-selling Christmas tale, “The Gift of the Little Shepherd.” Richards wrote for radio show classics including Dupont’s “Cavalcade of America” and “Lux Radio Theater.” His 1954 children’s story, “The Gift of the Little Shepherd,” written for NBC, has been on the air or in print every year since he created it. With an eye and ear for talent, he was credited with giving career starts to comedian Pat Buttram, who starred opposite Gene Autry in the 1950s TV series “The Gene Autry Show,” as well as singer-songwriter Les Paul, actor Marvin (“The Millionaire”) Miller and opera star Helen Traubel. May 23 at his home in Burbank.