Duane Thomas “Tom” Linville, 89, a retired United States Foreign Service Officer and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his home in Arlington, Virginia, on October 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on September 10, 1937, in Greensburg, Indiana, Tom was known from an early age for his outgoing personality and easygoing nature. An avid football and basketball player, he served as vice president of his high school class before graduating in 1955. After briefly attending Franklin College, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving two years on active duty in Baumholder, Germany.
Upon returning home, Tom enrolled at Indiana Business College, but his adventurous spirit and desire to explore the world soon led him to Washington, D.C., where he joined the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Service in February of 1960. It was there that he met the love of his life, Maria, a fellow Foreign Service Officer. They married on March 25, 1961, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with travel, friendship, and adventure.
Throughout their careers, Tom and Maria served together on diplomatic assignments across Africa, the Middle East, South America, Europe, and Asia, proudly representing the United States while building a life together around the world. During his 31 years in the Foreign Service, Tom approached each posting with professionalism, humility, and genuine appreciation for the people and cultures he encountered. His unassuming manner, natural warmth, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him particularly well suited to a career in diplomacy. In recognition of his distinguished service, he received two Department of State Meritorious Honor Awards, in Nairobi, Kenya (1964) and Hong Kong (1989), as well as the Department of State Superior Honor Award in Lima, Peru (1991). He retired in 1991 after a distinguished career in public service.
Above all, Tom's greatest source of pride and happiness was his family. He and Maria shared 65 years of marriage and were nearly inseparable. A devoted father, he was endlessly supportive of his daughter, Laura, taking immense pride in her accomplishments. He was overjoyed to welcome his first grandchild, James, in April 2026.
Tom will be remembered for his kindness, easygoing nature, and remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. A self-proclaimed gourmand, he delighted in discovering new restaurants, appreciating not only good food but also the atmosphere and company. His passion for travel continued long after retirement, with Madrid and Miami holding especially fond places in his heart.
Tom had a special gift for making others feel welcome and at ease. His was a life of adventure, service, and enduring love, enriched by the friendships he cultivated and the many lives he touched along the way.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Linville; his daughter, Laura Linville, son-in-law Timothy Czyzewski, and his cherished grandson, James Czyzewski, all of Arlington, Virginia. He is also survived by his sisters, Sally Goodman of Lafayette, Indiana, Judy Garner of Greensburg, Indiana, and Stella Weigand, and her husband, Francis of Mount Ulla, North Carolina; and his brother, James Hewitt, and his wife, Kathy, of Greensburg, Indiana.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home (4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203). A graveside service will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rock Creek Cemetery .
Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the family home from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to celebrate Tom's life and share memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to DACOR Bacon House, in honor of Tom's lifelong dedication to diplomacy and public service. When making a donation, please select Education/Scholarships/Fellowships/Awards under Gift Dedication.
