After a brave battle with cancer, Alex John McKay went home to be with Jesus on Sunday (June 28, 2015) at the age of 9, at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends.

Alex was born March 30, 2006, in Peoria, a son of John Dennis and Kimberly Dawn Cramblet McKay.

Alex is survived by his loving parents, John and Kimberly McKay, Minonk; sister, Ella, at home; paternal grandparents, John and Kay McKay, Minonk; maternal grandparents, Ron Cramblet, Milton, Fla., and Dot Cramblet, Bushnell; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Bryce; paternal great-grandparents and maternal great-grandparents.

Throughout his battle, he displayed courage, strength and bravery. He taught us to live life fully and inspired the comedian inside us. Alex enjoyed music, riding his four-wheeler, playing sports and building Legos. He had a gift of being direct and honest when appropriate. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Minonk, and was a third-grader at Fieldcrest South Grade School, Minonk, and the Cub Scouts Pack 3878.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Fieldcrest High School gymnasium, Minonk, with a family rosary recited prior to visitation.

Private funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Minonk. Franciscan friars will officiate. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Minonk. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk is assisting his family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, Alex's family requests memorials directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.

Tributes and condolences may be sent to his family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.