He was a Lieutenant in the United States Naval Air Corps during World War II, serving from 1943 to 1945.

[1] He became a justice of the Iowa Supreme Court on October 15, 1962,[2] serving until he resigned November 8, 1971, following his appointment to the federal bench.

[3] On October 13, 1971, Stuart was nominated by President Richard Nixon to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa vacated by Judge Roy Laverne Stephenson.

Stuart was confirmed by the United States Senate on October 28, 1971, and received his commission on November 1, 1971.

He served as Chief Judge from 1977 to 1985, assuming senior status on April 30, 1986.