Ephraim was the beloved first-born son of Dr. Tom Otieno of Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky, and Dr. Iddah Otieno of Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Lexington, Kentucky.

 

He was a loving brother to Christopher Otieno of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Rebecca Otieno of the University of Louisville College of Business. Until his untimely death, Dr. Otieno was a first-year Resident Doctor at the University of Louisville Hospital. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mzee Ephraim Odhuno and Mama Hilda Rebecca Anyango Odhuno of Ugenya Kager, Kenya, and maternal grandparents Mzee Christopher Asol Okeno and Mama Mikal Owiti Asol of Uyoma Katwenga’, Kenya. He leaves behind a host of aunties, uncles, and cousins in both Kenya and the United States.

 

Ephraim attended Model Laboratory School in Richmond, Kentucky, before joining the University of Louisville for his undergraduate and medical degrees. He was a decorated Martin Luther King Jr. and Porter Honor Roll Scholar who represented his community well. At Model Laboratory School, Ephraim was a beloved soccer and basketball player where he led his school to numerous regional and state championships under Coach Savage and Coach Scarberry. He was also a Certified Soccer Referee for the Madison United Soccer Association and a Certified Lifeguard for the Telford YMCA of Richmond, Kentucky.

 

As a brother to his two siblings, Ephraim was a role model and a supportive coach. His siblings and friends admired his hard work, determination, and excellence in all he did. To his parents, he was a son to be proud of. He pursued his personal and professional ambitions with less supervision and was joyful in the journey. He brought honor and respect to the entire Otieno family. As a child growing up in an African immigrant household, Ephraim never forgot where he came from. He was proud of his Kenyan American heritage and shared his travel stories with his teachers and friends. Ephraim knew no strangers. He was known for his iconic smile and laughter that brightened every room he entered. At the University of Louisville Hospital, his patients and team members remember him for his jovial character and impeccable bedside manners. He leaves behind precious memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.