MORTON H. MEYERSON

Morton H. Meyerson, renowned business leader in the information technology industry who transformed Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS) into a multibillion-dollar juggernaut by pioneering outsourcing, died after a years-long battle with prostate cancer on August 5, 2025, at his home in Dallas surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 3, 1938, Morton was the son of Brudus Meyerson and Bernice Gressman Meyerson, both descendants of immigrants from Belarus whose families settled in Fort Worth.

Morton attended school in Fort Worth, graduating from Paschal High School in 1956, following in the footsteps of his paternal grandmother, parents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was active in student government, choir, piano, and varsity football.

While attending The University of Texas at Austin, Morton sang with the UT Choir. This experience deeply influenced his thinking, and he later drew parallels between the harmony of a choir and the structure of effective business operations. He was a member of Texas Cowboys and Sigma Alpha Mu and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and philosophy. He strongly believed that a liberal arts education taught him how to think and prepared him for every aspect of life, including business. He was often quoted as saying, “UT changed my life.”

After graduation, he began active duty in the U.S. Army through an ROTC commission. His bridge-playing skills with fellow officers and the civilian head of computer operations led to an opportunity to train in computer programming. He discovered a passion for computing. Following active duty, he remained in the Army Reserves, retiring as a major six years later.

His experience coding programs to solve the Army’s logistical challenges led to his first private-sector role at Bell Helicopter as a data processing engineer trainee in 1963. In 1966, he joined Electronic Data Systems (EDS) as the company’s 54th employee.

Within a year at EDS, Morton rose from systems engineer trainee to project manager. In June 1967, he secured a groundbreaking contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas to process Medicaid claims under the newly created Title XIX program. The contract revolutionized the data processing industry, introducing what would become known as IT outsourcing. His success marked the beginning of a long and influential partnership with EDS founder H. Ross Perot Sr.

In 1971, at age 33, Perot tapped Meyerson to lead duPont Glore Forgan, a major Wall Street investment firm in which Perot had invested during a financial crisis. Meyerson brought a trusted team from EDS to turn the company around, later working with the SEC and NYSE to protect the U.S. stock market's stability.

At Perot's request, Morton later oversaw the responsible dismantling of duPont Glore Forgan, preserving assets for 840,000 investors and jobs for nearly 8,000 employees. He then returned to EDS in 1975, and soon resumed leadership roles, becoming president of EDS in 1979 and ultimately leading the company through its 1984 sale to General Motors. He became GM's chief technology officer and later served as campaign chair in Perot's 1992 U.S. presidential bid. In 1992, Morton became CEO of the newly founded Perot Systems, retiring from the role in 1998.

Beyond business, Morton made lasting civic contributions. In 1979, he was asked to lead efforts to build a new home for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Working with city leaders, donors, and architect I.M. Pei, he helped bring the vision to life. In recognition of his leadership and service to the community, H. Ross Perot Sr. made the lead naming gift in Morton’s honor, and in 1989, the venue opened as the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Morton continued as an advisor, supporter, and patron to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra throughout his life.

In 1989, Morton founded 2M Companies, Inc., a family investment firm. He was deeply passionate about mentoring a new generation of entrepreneurs, using his experience to give back and help others succeed.

Morton’s career was defined by his consistent principled leadership and original thinking, and he received numerous honors throughout his life. He was named Best CEO in the Computer Services Industry by the Wall Street Transcript for three consecutive years beginning in 1983. He received the UT Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2005, was named a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2007, inducted into the Outsourcing Hall of Fame in 2013, and joined the Texas Business Hall of Fame and the Philosophical Society of Texas in 2021. Over the course of his career, he served on numerous institutional governing boards, including the Dallas Symphony Association, Hebrew Union College, and the Japan Society USA. He also served as Vice Chairman Emeritus of the National Park Foundation and as Chairman of the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission for the Superconducting Super Collider Project.

In 1964, Morton married his college sweetheart Marlene Nathan of Galveston. They had two children together, David Nathan Meyerson and Marti Ann Meyerson and spent decades traveling the world, supporting organizations focused on the arts, education, and Jewish life, and raising their beloved children and grandchildren.

Following the death of his son in 1998, Morton established the David Nathan Meyerson Foundation, later renamed The Morton H. Meyerson Family Foundation, formalizing a lifelong commitment to tzedakah—the Jewish practice of helping those in need. Morton supported innovative nonprofit leaders and organizations across the U.S. and Israel. He was particularly passionate about education, especially programs for first-generation college students, seeing his own story reflected in theirs. Random acts of kindness were routine for him, from quietly paying someone’s restaurant bill to helping a person he had never met but whose story he had read about in the news.

Meaningful relationships were central to his life. He was devoted to his family. Business or foundation meetings were put on pause to take calls from his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He cherished lifelong friendships with elementary, high school and college mates, EDS and Perot Systems colleagues, and fellow community and business leaders. Morton enjoyed befriending staff and owners of his favorite bakeries, restaurants, and shops — always sharing his latest find, like ‘the best’ jam, with everyone he met. He welcomed conversations with anyone seeking advice on school, business, or life, and valued the opportunity to learn from the varied experiences and viewpoints they shared. Always seeking commonality and connection, Morton would continue to ask questions until a shared place, event, person, or interest was revealed.

A self-proclaimed introvert, he shunned small talk in favor of finding important points of connection or deeper conversations. He had a mischievous nature and was as quick with a joke as he was with a kind action. While Morton preferred to stay out of the limelight, and especially any meeting or event requiring formal attire, he was a charming conversationalist and captivating public speaker.

Morton was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Nathan Meyerson; his son, David Nathan Meyerson; his parents, Bernice and Brudus Meyerson; and his brother, Jon Sanford Meyerson. He is survived by his daughters, Leslie Meyerson Gordon (Robert) and Marti Meyerson (James Hooper); grandchildren, Julia Gordon (Arthur Prystowsky), Miles Gordon (Sharon), Natalie Gordon Bader (Jeff), Hannah Hooper, David Hooper, and Sanford Hooper; and great-grandchildren, Ben Prystowsky, Audrey Prystowsky, Shai Gordon, Lee Gordon, and Barry Bader. He is also survived by his uncle Arthur Gressman and many dear relatives and friends.

The family is deeply grateful for the dedicated care provided by the 2M family office team, Michell Miraglia, RN, and the entire Visiting Nurse Association team, and caregivers from Enhanced Medic Services.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Chorus, Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center Manhattan, Beth-El Congregation Fort Worth, or a charity of choice.