Sterling L. McVay, 86 of Pekin,Illinois passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at his home. He was born to Joseph L. and Nora (Young) McVay on November 7, 1935 in New Madrid, Missouri.

Sterling was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother Gene.

He is survived by; one son, Roger (Nena) McVay of Normal, Illinois; two daughters, Cindy (Dennis) Jurewicz of Peoria, Illinois and Debbie (Kevin) O’Shaughnessy of Manito, Illinois.; five grandchildren, Chelsie (Tyler Reese) Harkleroad, Heidi Harkleroad, Benjamin (Ashleigh) Harkleroad, Ariel Jurewicz and Anthony Jurewicz; six great grandchildren; two brothers, Charles McVay of Phoenix, Arizona, and Linnie McVay of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; three sisters, Melissia (Rev. Randy) Zinn of Bald Knob, Arkansas, Pearl (Kenny) Russell of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Cheri Shelton of Peoria, Illinois and several special nieces and nephews.

Sterling was a veteran of the United States Army. He worked as an Instrument Mechanic at NRG Powerton Generating Station retiring in1994. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal fan, He enjoyed fishing, bike riding, traveling, and Elvis music. Sterling was a wonderful father and grandfather. He treasured his family, and loved time spent with them, especially his great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with his brother-in-law, Rev. Randy Zinn officiating.

Burial will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield with Military Honors provided by the United States Army.

Memorials may be made in Sterling’s name to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.