He was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1969 and commenced practice in Kansas City.

From 1969 to 1972 Coleman, a Republican, served as Missouri's State Assistant Attorney General.

After the unexpected death of Congressman Jerry Litton, Coleman ran for, and won, the election succeeding him.

Coleman served in Congress until 1993, when he was ousted by Pat Danner, Litton's former district administrator.

[3] He currently sits on the bipartisan advisory board of States United Democracy Center.