Bexar County pays final respects to emergency management chief

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – A final radio call, a helicopter flyover, and bagpipes were part of a drive-in funeral service for Kyle Coleman on the grounds of Freeman Coliseum Friday.

Coleman served as a sheriff’s deputy for several years before becoming Bexar County Emergency Management Coordinator in 2012.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said Coleman helped lay the foundation for the Bexar County Emergency Department in 2005 and took over the reigns in 2012.

“So Kyle was there from the very beginning in establishing one of the most effective emergency responses anywhere in the country,” said Wolff.

Coleman died of a heart attack related to COVID-19 at the age of 69.

A private funeral procession of about 10  vehicles drove past the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s office, the Emergency  Operations Center at Brooks City Base, and the sheriff’s office on the way to Freeman Coliseum Friday morning for the drive-in service.

Kyle is survived by his wife of 31 years, Edna, and two sons.  Following the service in San Antonio, the family headed to Brady, Texas for the burial.

The funeral service at Freeman Coliseum was livestreamed by KENS TV.