Darwin Deason

Darwin Deason, the billionaire founder of Dallas-based Affiliated Computer Services, died on Dec. 2 2025 He was 85 years old. Darwin Deason has served as our Chairman of the Board since our formation in 1988. Mr. Deason also served as Chief Executive Officer from our formation until February 1999. Prior to our formation, Mr. Deason spent 20 years with MTech Corp., a data processing subsidiary of MCorp, a bank holding corporation based in Dallas, Texas, serving as MTech's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board from 1978 until April 1988, and also serving on the boards of various subsidiaries of MTech and MCorp. After acquiring Affiliated Computer Services in 2010, Xerox spun off its operations in 2016 to create a new publicly traded company, Conduent, which specializes in business process services. Xerox retained its legacy printer and copier business in the split. Deason sued Xerox in 2016 over the terms of that transaction, but ultimately reached a settlement that gave him preferred shares in both of the entities. Deason, a staunch conservative, became involved in politics, supporting former Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s presidential primary campaign in 2012 and 2016. Deason later endorsed Ted Cruz in 2016 before donating $1 million to the America First Action super PAC during Donald Trump’s first presidency. Deason contributed $405,000 to Trump’s unsuccessful 2020 campaign, as well, according to Forbes. Deason also supported conservative causes such as Turning Point USA, Charles Koch’s Stand Together Foundation and the National Rifle Association. Deason was married six times and maintained close friendships with the two mothers of his children, sons Doug and David Deason (deceased) and daughter Sterling Deason O’Donnell. In addition to Doug and Sterling, Deason is survived by numerous grandchildren, a brother and sister, nieces and nephews and many friends and colleagues.