Kenneth John Mighell

Born in Schenectady, New York on March 17, 1931, Ken moved to Dallas as a boy and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1948. He earned a B.B.A. from the University of Texas in 1952 and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1957, credentials that would anchor a six-decade legal career.

Commissioned in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War (1952-54) and later rising to the rank of Captain in the Naval Reserve, Ken commanded several reserve units before retiring from military service in 1980.

After early private practice, he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas in 1961, serving as Chief of the Civil Division, First Assistant, and ultimately appointed United States Attorney by President Jimmy Carter (1977-81). In 1981 he joined Cowles & Thompson, where he was a respected litigator and sought-after mediator. Ken finally retired in 2020—at age 89—capping more than 60 years in the law.

Professional leadership defined much of Ken’s career, including service as President of the Dallas Bar Association in 1993 and Director of the State Bar of Texas from 1994-95 among many other posts. His service earned honors that included the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Superior Performance and multiple Department of Justice commendations.

Ken also served the community in various positions. He chaired the Downtown Dallas YMCA board, served on governing boards at Highland Park and Lovers Lane United Methodist Churches, and held leadership roles, including President, with the American Lung Association of Dallas. An Eagle Scout and lifelong Scout supporter, he was Cubmaster of Pack 578 and an adult leader with his son Tom’s Troop 800. Late in life he helped raise funds for the Sarah T. Hughes Diversity Scholarships at DFW-area law schools.

Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Judy Mighell; his daughter, Betsy Mighell; his parents, and his brothers, Ken is survived by his son, Tom Mighell and son-in-law, Kenny Coupel; as well as sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews across Dallas and beyond, all of whom will miss his steady counsel and dry wit.

Family and friends will celebrate Ken’s memory on Friday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Peggy Rhodes, Ken’s devoted caregiver for the past five years, and to the staff of Right at Home for their compassionate support.