Dallas, Texas, December 14, 2025
Darwin Deason, the billionaire founder of Affiliated Computer Services, has passed away at 85. His entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic efforts significantly impacted Dallas, including substantial contributions to Southern Methodist University. Deason’s legacy as a business leader and philanthropist is marked by innovation in the tech industry, a commitment to social change, and support for various political causes.
Dallas Business Icon Darwin Deason Passes Away at 85
Deason’s entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy shaped Dallas and beyond.
Dallas, Texas – Darwin Deason, the billionaire founder of Dallas-based Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), passed away on December 2, 2025, at the age of 85. Celebrated for his relentless “hustle” mentality, Deason’s contributions to the local business community and his philanthropic initiatives at Southern Methodist University (SMU) have left a profound legacy.
Early Life and Career
Born on May 18, 1940, in Rogers, Arkansas, Deason’s career began humbly as a mail clerk at Gulf Oil. His determination and entrepreneurial drive propelled him to Dallas, where he revitalized a struggling subsidiary of MTech, subsequently renaming it MTech. After selling the company to EDS, Deason founded Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) in 1988. Under his leadership, ACS became a pioneer in modernizing back-office operations, catering to prominent clients like E-ZPass, 7-Eleven, and UPS, in addition to various government agencies. The company went public in 1994 and flourished into a global operation and a Fortune 500 company. In 2010, ACS was acquired by Xerox for $6.4 billion, making Deason Xerox’s largest individual shareholder.
Philanthropy and Support for SMU
Deason’s altruism extended to his support for SMU, where he funded numerous initiatives to enhance cybersecurity, promote criminal justice reform, and advance medical research. He co-founded the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity at the Lyle School of Engineering in 2014 and established the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at the Dedman School of Law in 2017. His generous contributions also fostered the creation of the Deason Innovation Gym and the Deason Endowed Fund for Innovation. In 2024, the Deason Foundation was acknowledged with SMU’s Mustang Award for extraordinary philanthropy, underlining the impactful role he played in advancing educational and technological initiatives.
Political Involvement
In addition to his business and philanthropic pursuits, Deason remained actively engaged in the political landscape, predominantly supporting Republican candidates and causes. Notably, he contributed to Rick Perry’s 2012 presidential campaign and later supported Ted Cruz’s 2016 campaign. Between 2017 and 2019, he generously donated $1 million to the America First Action super PAC and contributed $405,000 to Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign, reflecting his alignment with conservative economic principles that bolster entrepreneurship and private investment.
Legacy
Darwin Deason’s legacy is defined by an unwavering commitment to innovation and a remarkable work ethic encapsulated in his “hustle” mantra. His influence has inspired many in the business sector, and his extensive philanthropic efforts have had a lasting impact on education, technology, and social reform. He is survived by his son, Douglas Deason; daughter, Sterling Deason O’Donnell; and several grandchildren.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Darwin Deason?
Darwin Deason was a billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the founder of Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), which was acquired by Xerox in 2010. He was also a significant donor to Southern Methodist University (SMU).
What was ACS, and how did it impact the business world?
ACS was a company that specialized in modernizing back-office operations for other businesses, improving performance and allowing clients to focus on their core activities. It served a diverse range of clients, including E-ZPass, 7-Eleven, UPS, and various government agencies.
What philanthropic contributions did Deason make to SMU?
Deason co-founded the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity at the Lyle School of Engineering in 2014 and established the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at the Dedman School of Law in 2017. His contributions also led to the creation of the Deason Innovation Gym and the Deason Endowed Fund for Innovation. In 2024, the Deason Foundation received SMU’s Mustang Award for extraordinary philanthropy.
What was Deason’s political involvement?
Deason was an active political donor, primarily supporting Republican candidates and causes. He contributed to Rick Perry’s 2012 presidential campaign, supported Ted Cruz’s 2016 bid, and donated to the America First Action super PAC and Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign.
What is Deason’s legacy?
Deason’s legacy is defined by his relentless work ethic, innovative spirit, and philanthropic efforts. His “hustle” mantra inspired many in the business world, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on education, technology, and social reform.
Key Features of Darwin Deason’s Life and Legacy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Life | Born on May 18, 1940, in Rogers, Arkansas; began career as a mail clerk at Gulf Oil. |
| ACS | Founded Affiliated Computer Services in 1988; acquired by Xerox in 2010 for $6.4 billion. |
| Philanthropy | Co-founded the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity and the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at SMU; received SMU’s Mustang Award in 2024. |
| Political Involvement | Significant donor to Republican candidates and causes, including Rick Perry’s 2012 campaign and Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign. |
| Legacy | Known for his “hustle” mantra; left a lasting impact on business, education, and social reform. |
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