Gerald "Jerry" Alderman, 73, of Ventura, passed away on February 28th, 2021.
Jerry was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi to Thomas and Estelle Alderman on February 6th, 1948. He was the youngest of 12 siblings. He lived and went to school in Kosciusko until he moved out to California in 1967 with just a few belongings. He started working in construction, which led to him being the owner and founder of Alderman Construction, where he employed hundreds of people. The business was his passion, but the people who worked for him were even more important. Some of these employees worked for him for over 20 years and continued to work for the company once it was passed down to his son, Todd Alderman in 2009. Jerry married Kathy on September 25th 1982 in Ventura CA. They have been married for 39 years.
He worked hard his whole life to provide for his family and would generously help those who needed it. One of his favorite things was taking trips to Las Vegas where Harrah's corporate jet would pick the family up in Camarillo. The family has very vivid and fond memories of these trips which may or may not include apple martinis (what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas). He loved going on fishing trips to Mexico, Canada and Alaska with Todd. He also enjoyed taking his family on houseboat trips to Lake Mead and going camping to different locations. In his later years, one of his greatest joys was his grandchildren and watching them grow up. He loved spending quality time with them in Oregon, where he had cows and chickens and taught them how to feed and care for the animals. He would sit on his front porch with his dog, Harley and watch the kids play. Harley became his companion who he took everywhere. He would leave the car running with the keys inside, so that the air conditioning would keep Harley cool. When he ate out, he would save part of his meal to make sure Harley ate like a king.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Alderman; his children, Todd Alderman, Jennifer McGuire, Ashley Alderman, Justin Alderman, and Dan Loraditch; Siblings, Katy Lowery, Esther Howell, Dorris Devorak, Mary Garrett, Linda Gardner, Tommy Alderman and Billy Alderman; 9 grandchildren and a great-grandson,
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Bill Alderman, Wayne Alderman, Ruby Newsom, and his twin sister Geraldine Burlson.
The family of Jerry Alderman wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Robert Warwar and Dr. Shawn Skillern for providing him with excellent care throughout the years.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday March 10th, 11:00 AM at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. Celebration of Life will follow at Cafe Fiore in Ventura. Arrangement are under the direction of BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, Ventura.