A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Burlin Coleman.
SR252 is a Senate resolution honoring the life and memory of Burlin Coleman, a Pike County native who was born in 1929 and died in January 2025 at age 95. The resolution recounts his upbringing in eastern Kentucky, his education, and his long career with Community Trust Bank, where he worked from 1949 to 1999 and ultimately served as chief executive officer. It highlights his role in helping the bank grow into a publicly traded institution with branches across Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
The resolution also emphasizes Coleman’s civic, philanthropic, and educational contributions. It notes his long membership in First Baptist Church of Pikeville, his service on boards including Pikeville Methodist Hospital and the University of Pikeville, and his support for the development of the University of Pikeville’s School of Osteopathic Medicine. It further recognizes that the university named its College of Business in his honor, underscoring his lasting influence on local education and economic development.
As a legislative measure, SR252 does not change state law, create programs, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is ceremonial: it directs the Senate to adjourn in honor of Coleman and instructs the Clerk to transmit a copy of the resolution to Senator Phillip Wheeler for delivery to the family. The resolution functions as an official expression of sympathy and recognition from the Kentucky Senate.
The general sentiment around the bill is strongly positive and respectful. The resolution is written in a commemorative tone, praising Coleman’s integrity, loyalty, philanthropy, and commitment to community. Because there were no recorded committee transcripts or votes provided, there is no evidence of substantive opposition or debate; the measure appears to be a routine unanimous-style memorial resolution.
There is little notable contention in the text itself, since the resolution is purely honorary. The only potentially relevant point is that the bill reflects the Senate’s desire to formally recognize Coleman’s impact on banking, higher education, and local philanthropy, but no disagreements or policy disputes are identified in the available materials.
SR252 has no substantive impact on Kentucky statutes or regulatory law. It is a ceremonial Senate resolution that formally honors Burlin Coleman, authorizes adjournment in his memory, and directs transmission of the resolution to his family through Senator Phillip Wheeler. Its practical effect is symbolic recognition of Coleman’s contributions to banking, education, faith, and community service.
The sentiment surrounding SR252 is uniformly favorable and commemorative. The resolution presents Burlin Coleman as a respected civic leader, philanthropist, and business executive whose work benefited Pikeville and eastern Kentucky. No votes, committee objections, or recorded debate are provided, suggesting the measure was noncontroversial and intended as a respectful tribute.
There is no apparent policy contention in SR252 because it is a memorial resolution rather than a bill affecting law or spending. The only substantive focus is on Coleman’s legacy—especially his leadership at Community Trust Bank and his support for the University of Pikeville—which is presented positively. No opposing viewpoints, amendments, or disputed issues appear in the available record.