SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 799
In Memory
of
Howard Payne Coghlan
WHEREAS, The city of Longview lost an admired attorney and
civic leader with the passing of Howard Payne Coghlan on
September 15, 2016, at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Born to Emma and Jack Coghlan in Shreveport,
Louisiana, on April 14, 1927, Howard Coghlan grew up in Marshall
and Longview; a member of the Longview High School Class of 1944,
he served in the Texas State Guard during World War II, and he
went on to enlist in the United States Coast Guard; following his
military service, he attended Kilgore College, distinguishing
himself as president of the student body, the Veterans Club, and
the Future Lawyers Club; he later earned a law degree at Southern
Methodist University, where he was a member of the Order of the
Barristers and the Kappa Alpha Order; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan enjoyed a long and successful
career as an attorney in the oil and gas industry; he was a
director of the Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Company and chair of
the Oil, Gas, and Mineral Section of the State Bar of Texas;
moreover, he was vice chair of the Texas State Bar Presidents,
editor of the Southwestern Law Journal, and a fellow of the Texas
Bar Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Coghlan served as a
member of the Texas State Historical Commission, the Texas
Historical Foundation board, and the LeTourneau University
board, chair of the Longview centennial celebration, director of
Longview Bank and Trust, and president of the Jaycees, the local
Rotary Club, and the chamber of commerce; his myriad commendable
efforts in behalf of his fellow residents included helping to
establish the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center; he was
also a valued congregant of First United Methodist Church of
Longview for more than six decades; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his significant contributions
to Longview and the East Texas region, Mr. Coghlan was presented
with numerous accolades, including three Paul Harris Fellowships
from the Rotary Club, the President's Award from the chamber of
commerce, and the Outstanding Lawyer Award from the Gregg County
Legal Secretaries Association; additionally, an oil derrick in
Kilgore was named in his honor in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Coghlan shared 65 years of marriage with
Dr. Peggy Coghlan, and he was further blessed with a son, Kelly,
a daughter, Katie, and a beloved grandson, Kelly Jack; and
WHEREAS, Respected for his generosity, kindness, and
integrity by all who knew him, Howard Coghlan lived a caring and
purposeful life, and he leaves behind a record of service that
his loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Howard Payne
Coghlan and extend heartfelt sympathy to his relatives and many
friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do
so in memory of Howard Coghlan.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 17, 2017, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate