Michael V. "Mike" Aderman

1947 - 2024

Michael "Mike" Vidor Aderman born August 7, 1947, passed away on May 15, 2024, after a short, courageous battle with lung cancer. Mike was born in Houston, Texas to Charles "Mike" Vidor Aderman and Martha Evins Aderman and moved to Lafayette, LA a year later. In his early years, Mike learned the importance of discipline, hard work, and prioritizing responsibilities. He met his wife of 56 years, Kathy, at Lafayette High school and they married shortly after graduation. After initially attending Georgia Tech, he graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1971. During his senior year of college, he joined the Army Reserve Engineering Unit based in Lafayette. Kathy and Mike moved to Baton Rouge where he began his engineering career at the Louisiana Department of Transportation fueling his love of bridge design. His work included designs of pre-stressed concrete bridges, vertical lift and swing spans, and semi high-level crossings of the Intercoastal Waterway. He performed some of the first bridge ratings and evolutions in 1972 and consulted on bridges throughout Louisiana. Mike was always quite proud of his complete design of the Ellender Ferry Bridge in Calcasieu Parish as well as a Special Jury Award from the Prestressed Concrete Institute for his "simple, imaginative structural design" of the Point Coupee Parish Port Commission's cargo dock. Mike worked at Brown and Butler from 1974-1977 as a senior design engineer. He then became a project engineer with Domingue, Szabo & Associates of Lafayette. After a few years of commuting, he opened a Baton Rouge branch of their office before opening his own structural engineering firm in 1986-Michael V. Aderman and Associates. In 1991, Jim Ragland and Mike formed a business partnership – Ragland, Aderman, and Associates – where Mike led the firm into total computer-based production of their engineering work. His business continued to expand on various projects throughout the south, including refinery work and major expansions to the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and the Baton Rouge River Center. Mike held professional memberships in the Louisiana Engineering Society, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Concrete Institute, the American Welding Society, the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, the Construction Specification Institute, and the Post-Tension Institute. He served as director, secretary-treasurer, vice president and president of the Baton Rouge branch of the ASCE. Mike was the recipient of the F. Hugh Coughlin Young Engineer Award in 1982. He was a licensed engineer in Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Throughout his career, he completed structural designs of hospitals, medical centers, ports, docks, industrial plants and parking garages. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mike's patience and ability to stay calm were put to the test more than once as he and Kathy welcomed four daughters over the years. These qualities also served him well as he pursued his love for flying, obtained his private pilot's license in 1985, and continued to fly for over 35 years. He knew his Bonanza A36 like the back of his hand. He was very proud that he and Kathy were able to fly to the births of all six of their grandchildren, as well as many other adventures and celebrations. Mike was a champion skeet and trap shooter and flew to many competitions around the U.S. with his team. He was very knowledgeable about both fresh water and offshore fishing and knew his way around many southern waterways. After a career lasting 40-plus years, Mike was able to enjoy his retirement with Kathy. They spent a great deal of time at their lake house, which Mike designed, on Lake Martin, Alabama. Many hours were spent relaxing, boating, learning every corner of the large lake, and enjoying his many catches with a delicious fish fry. He was grateful for the time he spent with his dear friends at Blairstown hunting, learning and helping around the many acres. Mike's family was always amazed by his ability to recall historical details and niche facts, precisely work math and word puzzles, and repeatedly watch TV marathons. Many will miss reaching out to him for assistance with home improvements and projects. He always knew how to get the job done, but first, he had to plan and ponder. Mike treasured his friendships and will be remembered as a genuine and loyal friend to many. He was a loved and respected son, brother, brother-in-law, husband, father, uncle, great-uncle, grandfather, friend, boss, mentor, and neighbor. Mike touched the lives of far too many people to name. Those who witnessed his smile and infectious laugh were fortunate; those who loved him know our lives were better because of him. May his best qualities live on in others. He leaves behind: His wife, Kathryn Fehlman Aderman; daughters and grandchildren: Amy Aderman of Lafayette, LA; Micah A. Herren, Hudson and Morgan (and father Derek) of Knoxville, TN; Erica A. Bailey (Donald), Mackenzie and Elliot of Humble, TX; Emily Aderman Bell (Matt), Esme and Julian of Asheville, NC. Siblings: Joy Baldwin, Patrick Aderman, Beverly Steele (deceased), Julie E Herrera (Orlando), and their families. Other Family: Pam F. and Bradley (deceased) Kimbrough, Dr. Bradley Kimbrough (Beverly), Elise K. Routier (Jeff), Debbie F. Hebert (Tim), Mike Dawson (Julie), Bryant Fehlman (Melissa), Josh Hebert, Ben Hebert, Billie Lou Gengler (Gary), Bettsie Baldwin, Kathryn A. Hayes, Kathryn M. and Mark (deceased) Aderman, and their families. Mike's family extends their deepest gratitude to caregiver, Sonja Landry, who tenderly supported Mike and Kathy through the challenging days of treatment and end-of-life care. A private family celebration will be held later. Donations may be made to your favorite cause.