Stuart was born and raised in North Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from North Kansas City High School.  He attended various colleges until he graduated from Park College (now University) in Parkville, Missouri.

Though not related to his degree, he has worked in the computer field and was employeed by Clay County Government for 20 years as a computer programmer.

It was in this capacity that he became associated with the Archives.  In 1989, a patron from Texas was doing some on-site research and he wondered where the computer was.  Being told that the Archives had no computer, he immediately donated $1000 toward the purchase of one.  Happy with the gift but not knowing the first thing about computers, the volunteers started putting out feelers for someone to help them.  The request fell in Stuart's lap and he set them up with their first computer to index their various historical material.  He has been the Computer Use Chairman ever since.

Not being a researcher, he sees his job as supporting the efforts of the other volunteers; trying to help them meet their needs.  He believes in the importance of preserving history and learning from it.

He has served as Treasurer, Vice President, President and currently heads the Computer Use and Speakers Bureau committees.