Earl Laverne "Dusty" Cook, 85, of Safety Harbor, Fla., formerly of Butler, died Saturday at the Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor.

Born Jan. 12, 1921, in Argentine, Washington Township, he was the son of William H. and Barbara Ryder Cook.

A decorated Army veteran, he received two Purple Hearts and one Bronze Star. He retired from the Army in 1968 after having served his county in World War II, two tours during the Korean War and three tours during the Vietnam War.

Following his retirement, he worked for the Butler County Library.

He moved to Safety Harbor in 1975, where he was the owner/operator of Earl Cook Lawn Service for more than 31 years in the Safety Harbor and Countryside areas.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Eugene (Shirley) Bonetti of Butler; two brothers, William Cook of Eau Claire and Keith "Shag" Cook of Safety Harbor; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Florence Gladd and Mildred Fleming; and five brothers, Albert "Abe," Glenn, Paul and twins, Donald and Ronald Cook.

<B>COOK </B>— There will be no visitation. Burial for Earl Laverne "Dusty" Cook, who died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006, will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the New Salem Cemetery, Annisville, Washington Township.Full military honors will be provided by the Army 99th Regional Support Command of Pittsburgh and the Army 319th Engineer Corps of Butler.Local arrangements are being handled by the <B>William F. Young Funeral Home</B>, West Sunbury.