Stewart Lee Tomlinson

Stewart Lee Tomlinson passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 4, 2025, at the age of 93. He was born on November 3, 1931, at his family home in Burnham, Pa. He was the only child of John Walter and Susan Florence (Miller) Tomlinson. His father served two terms as Sheriff of Mifflin County, Pa. so young Stewart spent a number of years residing in the Sheriff’s living quarters at the county jail in Lewistown, Pa., with all the advantages of being the Sheriff’s young son.

He is survived by his wife Christine Elizabeth Bonham; daughters Teresa Tomlinson, Linda McArthur, and Andrea (Daniel) Drude; grandsons Robert Bryce (Abby McBreen) Tomlinson, Sean McArthur, and Danny Drude; granddaughter Madeline McArthur and great granddaughter Kira Tomlinson. He was preceded in death by his son Robert (Jo Paynter) Tomlinson.

Stewart graduated from Susquehanna University in January 1954, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and playing on the university basketball team. He served in the Army Security Agency from January 1954 to January 1957 where, in addition to his work duties, he played on championship basketball and softball teams. He loved baseball—both playing as a pitcher on high school, college and fun teams at work—and closely following his favorite teams and players. Baseball’s Opening Day was his favorite holiday.

In January 1957 he began his career at the General Accounting Office (now known as the Government Accountability Office) in the Civil Division but moved into international work in the Far East Branch in Tokyo from 1960 to 1962 and in Honolulu from 1967 to 1969. The bulk of his career was in Washington, DC and the Pentagon where he served as an Assistant Director in the international division specializing in international security affairs. His work took him to many locations over the years—Vietnam, the Philippines, Liberia, Thailand, Korea, Central America during the Contra era, and many other places. His colorful style and irreverent but truthful nature endeared him to most who came in contact with him. He received numerous GAO awards over the years for his exceptional ability to lead, manage, develop, and motivate staff. He retired in December 1993 and spent the rest of his life in Falls Church, Va. where he enjoyed being Mr. Mom for his youngest daughter Andrea when she was in kindergarten and grade school.

Having lived a full life with much travel and spanning a long time period in this country, he had many tales that he loved to recount to the great enjoyment of his family and friends. Whether telling us of growing up during the Great Depression or being rocketed in the bachelor officers' quarters in Da Nang while on a work assignment, his recall of details brought his stories to life for his audience. He will be sorely missed.

A private celebration of his life will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to your favorite cause in his memory.