Mr. Alderman

Gabriel Isham (Gabe) Alderman, age 85, of Flemingsburg Road, Morehead, KY, World War II veteran and local business owner, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, KY, after a brief illness.

Born November 19, 1923, in Smile, KY, he was the son of the late Posey Lee and Ofphia D. Quesinberry Alderman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert Alderman, David Alderman and Posie Alderman, and one sister, Lena Rivers Kinney.

Gabe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Willa Scott (Billie) McClain Alderman; his son, Darrell Alderman and JoAnn; and his daughter, Brenda Oldfield and Joey, all of Morehead, KY.

He has five grandchildren: Chase Alderman and Gabe Oldfield, both of Morehead, KY, Dara Alderman and M’Shae Alderman, both of Washington DC, and Tim Alderman of Dana, KY, and three great grandchildren: Brennan Alderman, of Dana, KY, and Henry Cloern and Cooper Cloern, both of Washington, DC. Also surviving is his long-time secretary and good friend, Joan Owens of Morehead, KY.

Mr. Alderman was the President of Morehead-based underground utilities company, G. & W. Construction, Inc. He served as President of the company for 17 years. While under Mr. Alderman’s direction, G. & W. Construction, Inc., completed more than 100 water and sewer line installation projects throughout Kentucky and Ohio.

Prior to joining G. & W. Construction, Mr. Alderman co-owned G. R. Alderman Co. with his brother, the late Robert Alderman. G. R. Alderman Co. installed the first water lines for Rowan Water, Inc., in Morehead and built numerous banks, courthouses, hospitals and schools throughout KY. Among G.R. Alderman’s local projects were the Rowan County High School (now Rowan County Middle School), Clearfield Elementary School, Peoples Bank of Morehead, University Cinema, Daniel Boone Convalescent Center (presently Life Care Center) and Morehead Methodist Church Annex.

Other construction included the Mt. Sterling Courthouse, Montgomery County High School, Monticello Elementary School, General Telephone New Dial Exchange at Meade, Hayswood Hospital Annex in Maysville, Arjay Elementary School in Pineville, Magoffin County Elementary School, Salyersville High School, Providence Elementary School in Winchester, Pulaski County High School, Georgetown High School, Newtown Elementary School in Georgetown, Jackson County Health Center, Frenchburg Health Center, Carter Caves Vacation Cottages, and Theatre, Office Building in Jenkins.

Mr. Alderman enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943. During World War II, he fought battles in Peleliu and Okinawa, and participated in the occupation of China. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1946.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2009, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Dr. Don Mantooth officiating. Burial was in Brown Cemetery with full military rites conducted by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.

Pallbearers were Gary Pope, Ronnie Lewis, Nicky Pennington, Tom Taylor, Bobby Skaggs, Joe Kinder, and Denver Kinder. Bobby Alderman and Clyde Logan were honorary pallbearers.

Visitation was Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals.