[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. LEONARD L. COLEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM TURNER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2003

  Mr. TURNER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute of a 
distinguished public servant, Dr. Leonard L. Coleman. To the people of 
Grimes County, in East Texas, Dr. Coleman is a living legend. 
Considered by many to be the father of modern medicine in Grimes 
County, Dr. Coleman's surgical skills have helped mend and save lives 
for more than 34 years.
  Dr. Coleman's distinguished medical career, during which he touched 
the lives of thousands of East Texans, represents the very best 
American values of commitment, selflessness, and hard work.
  Not only a fine doctor, Dr. Coleman has been a dedicated public 
servant as well. At a time when many physicians were moving to larger 
communities and increasing the sizes of their practices, Dr. Coleman 
remained committed to the community in which he was raised throughout 
his career. As part of this commitment, Dr. Coleman has been a 
community leader, serving in a variety of civic positions, including 
President of the School Board, City Commissioner, Elder in the 
Presbyterian Church, and school physician. He has been a lifelong 
public servant in the truest sense of the word.
  Dr. Coleman was also a teacher. He mentored young men who thought 
they might be interested in a medical career. During many summers, high 
school and college students assisted Dr. Coleman in surgery, while he 
made rounds and house calls, and worked with him in the Navasota Clinic 
laboratory. Dr. Coleman's charm, wit, and warmth enchanted everyone he 
met, including both his patients and his students.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Dr. Coleman on a 
distinguished career and in thanking him for a lifetime of outstanding 
medical care and selfless service to the citizens of East Texas.

                          ____________________