Lt. CMDR (Ret.) Lawrence Merritt Cooke, 66 of Hollywood, MD died November 20, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital.

Born April 23, 1944 in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of the late Gaither C. Cooke and Betty O. (Pipes) Cooke.

Lawrence served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 until 1987. After his retirement from the Navy, he was employed with the True Value in Leonardtown, MD, Perkins Restaurants in Leonardtown and California, MD, and Denny's Restaurant in Waldorf.

Lawrence is survived by his children, Troy H. Cooke of Hagerstown, MD, Brandon L. Cooke of Mankato, MN, and Derek J. Cooke of Clarksburg, TN, five grandchildren, and a sister, Eileen Mueller of Sanito, TX.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda C. Cooke and a brother, Carl R. Cooke.

A graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 7, Hollywood, MD 20636 or the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.