19 Facts About Otis Bowen

Otis Ray Bowen was an American politician and physician who served as the 44th Governor of Indiana from 1973 to 1981 and as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Cabinet of President Ronald Reagan from 1985 to 1989.

Vernie Otis Bowen graduated from Valparaiso University and was a teacher for 43 years.

Vernie Otis Bowen owned a hardware store in Leiters Ford, was a trustee for Aubbeenaubbee Township, president of the Woodlawn Hospital Board of Trustees, and president of the Leiters Ford Merchants Association.

Otis Bowen's father was a Scottish Rite Freemason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In 1915, Vernie Otis Bowen married Pearl Irene Wright, whose family was from Ohio and involved with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Otis Bowen holds 30 honorary degrees including those from schools in his home state such as Indiana University, the University of Notre Dame, Ball State University, Valparaiso University, and Anderson University.

Otis Bowen married Elizabeth Anne Steinmann in 1939, who died shortly before his term as Indiana Governor expired in 1981.

Otis Bowen began his career as an intern at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana, in 1942.

Otis Bowen was speaker of the house from 1967 to 1972, vice chairman of the legislative council from 1967 to 1968, and chairman until 1972.

Simultaneously, Otis Bowen served as chairman of the Republican Governors Association, the Midwestern Governors Association, and the National Governors Association.

Otis Bowen continued teaching at Indiana University until he was appointed as Secretary of Health and Human Services by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the US Senate on a vote of 93 to 2, making him the first medical doctor to serve in this position.

Otis Bowen served in that position until 1989, when he retired to his home in Bremen, Indiana.

Otis Bowen served on a number of committees and conferences, including the Education Commission of the States, and the President's Commission on Federalism.

Otis Bowen was the chairman of the Paperwork Commission, Nursing Study Commission, and Medicare Study Commission.

Otis Bowen received various awards, including the George F Hixson award from Kiwanis International.

Otis Bowen was a Lutheran and member of the American Medical Association, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Alpha Omega Alpha, Phi Beta Pi, Delta Chi, and Kiwanis.

Otis Bowen was a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Otis Bowen attended the Bowen Institute on Political Participation every year and provided a congratulatory address to the graduates of this two-day seminar.

Otis Bowen died May 4,2013, at a nursing home in Donaldson, Indiana.