Otis Bowen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Otis Bowen
16th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services
In office December 13, 1985 – January 20, 1989
President	Ronald Reagan
Preceded by	Margaret Heckler
Succeeded by	Louis Wade Sullivan
Chair of the National Governors Association
In office July 10, 1979 – August 5, 1980
Preceded by	Julian Carroll
Succeeded by	George Busbee
44th Governor of Indiana
In office January 8, 1973 – January 12, 1981
Lieutenant	Robert Orr
Preceded by	Edgar Whitcomb
Succeeded by	Robert Orr
Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives
In office November 9, 1966 – November 8, 1972
Preceded by	Richard Clay Bodine
Succeeded by	Kermit Owen Burrous
Member of the Indiana House of Representatives
In office November 9, 1960 – November 8, 1972
Preceded by	Forest Nelson McLaughlin
Succeeded by	James Lowell Drews
Constituency	8th district
In office November 7, 1956 – November 5, 1958
Preceded by	Raymonde Alexis Clarke
Succeeded by	Forest Nelson McLaughlin
Constituency	Marshall County
Personal details
Born	Otis Ray Bowen (1918-02-26)February 26, 1918 Fulton County, Indiana, U.S.
Died	May 4, 2013(2013-05-04) (aged 95) Donaldson, Indiana, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouses	Elizabeth Steinmann ​ ​ (m. 1939; died 1981)​ Rose Hochstetler ​ ​ (m. 1981; died 1991)​ Carol Hahn ​ (m. 1992)​
Children	4
Education	Indiana University, Bloomington (BA) Indiana University, Indianapolis (MD)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1943–1946
Battles/wars	World War II

Otis Ray Bowen (born February 26, 1918 – died May 4, 2013) was an important American politician and doctor. He served as the 44th Governor of Indiana from 1973 to 1981. Later, he became the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services for President Ronald Reagan from 1985 to 1989.

Early Life and Education

Otis Bowen was born in Fulton County, Indiana. His father, Vernie Bowen, was a teacher for 43 years and also owned a hardware store. His family was very involved in their community.

Otis went to local schools for his early education. He then studied at Indiana University Bloomington, earning a bachelor's degree in 1939. He continued his studies at the Indiana University School of Medicine, becoming a doctor in 1942. He received many honorary degrees from different universities throughout his life.

Otis Bowen married Elizabeth Anne Steinmann in 1939. They had four children: Rick, Judy, Tim, and Rob. After Elizabeth passed away, he married Rose May Hochstetler in 1981. After Rose's death, he married Carol Hahn in 1992.

A Career in Medicine and Public Service

Otis Bowen with President Gerald Ford in 1976

Otis Bowen being sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services in 1985

Otis Bowen started his career as a medical intern in 1942. From 1943 to 1946, he served as a doctor in the U.S. Army during World War II. He rose to the rank of captain.

After the war, he opened his own medical practice in Bremen, Indiana. He worked as a doctor until 1972. He also helped create a community hospital in Bremen in 1956. He served as the coroner for Marshall County, Indiana.

Entering Politics

While working as a doctor, Bowen also became active in the Republican Party.

• He was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1956 to 1958.
• He served again from 1960 to 1972.
• From 1967 to 1972, he was the Speaker of the Indiana House.

Governor of Indiana

In 1972, Otis Bowen was elected Governor of Indiana. He was re-elected in 1976, becoming the first governor in Indiana to serve eight years in a row since 1851. His campaign slogan was "Otis Bowen. He Hears You."

During his time as governor, he made several important changes:

• He changed the state's tax system to rely less on property taxes.
• He improved state parks and facilities.
• He helped develop a statewide emergency medical services system.
• He created a medical malpractice law that became a model for other states.

He also led important groups like the Republican Governors Association and the National Governors Association.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

After his time as governor, Otis Bowen continued teaching at Indiana University. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan chose him to be the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. The U.S. Senate approved his appointment, making him the first medical doctor to hold this important position.

As Secretary, he worked on major health issues. He often gave advice to colleagues and reporters, even keeping a prescription pad handy! He retired in 1989 and returned to his home in Bremen, Indiana.

Community Contributions and Legacy

Otis Bowen at a community event in 2007

Otis Bowen was involved in many committees and conferences. He received awards for his public service. He was a member of several professional and community organizations, including the American Medical Association and Kiwanis International.

His contributions are remembered through several places:

• The Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University was named in his honor.
• The Otis R. Bowen Museum at Bethel College displays items from his time as governor and Secretary. A copy of his bust is there, with the original at the Indiana Statehouse.

Death

Otis Bowen passed away on May 4, 2013, in Donaldson, Indiana, at the age of 95.

See also

• List of governors of Indiana