Otis Ray Bowen was born February 26, 1918, near Leiter's Ford, Indiana to Vernie Bowen and Pearl Irene Wright. He graduated from Indiana University with an AB in 1939 and MD in 1942. He married Elizabeth Ann Steinmann in 1939. Following her death in 1981, on 26 September 1981 he married Rose May Hochstetler. He began his medical career on an internship from Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana in 1942. From 1943 to 1946 he served in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army, rising from the rank of 1st lieutenant to captain. On his return from World War II he set up his own medical practice in his home town of Bremen, Indiana, which he discontinued in 1972. During this time he also was a member of staff for various hospitals in Indiana and, in 1952, was elected coroner of Marshall County, Indiana. In 1976 he took up the post of clinical professor of family medicine at Indiana University. From 1978 to 1985 he served as a trustee of Valparaiso University. He served as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1956 to 1958 and again from 1960 to 1972. He was speaker of the house from 1967 to 1972, Vice Chairman of the legislative council from 1967 to 1968, and Chairman until 1972. After his unsuccessful attempt in 1968 he was elected Governor of Indiana in 1972 and was re-elected for a second term in 1976. As Governor he initiated a tax restructuring, and developed a state-wide emergency medical services system. He served as Secretary of Health and Human Services from December 13, 1985 to January 20, 1989, making him the first medical doctor to serve in this position. Following his government service, he retired to his home in Bremen, Indiana. Bowen served on a number of committees and conferences, including the Education Commission of the States, Republican Governors Conference, and the President's Commission on Federalism. He has also received various awards, including the George F. Hixson award from Kiwanis International.
From the description of Bowen, Otis R., 1918- (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10569629
