After finishing law school at the University of Michigan, Ken began his legal career in his home state of Oklahoma where he clerked for Federal District Judge Ross Rizley in the Western District of Oklahoma. He moved to Colorado in 1962 and settled in Colorado Springs where he went to work for a small general practice firm. He stayed with that firm until 1976, when Ken formed Sparks & Dix, P.C. That firm continues today as Sparks Willson, P.C.. During his long career, Ken’s practice focused on complex civil litigation and construction law.

Ken always believed in giving back to the local community. He served as the President of Colorado Springs Symphony and the Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation. He served on the boards of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Penrose Hospital, UCCS Chancellor’s Roundtable, and the statewide Colorado Economic Development Commission. He was the founder and a board member of the El Paso Civic and Arts Foundation.

Ken was also active in Republican politics, including the campaigns for Congressman William Armstrong, Senator Hank Brown, and Colorado State Attorney General John Suthers, a former member of the firm and current mayor of Colorado Springs.

Before his death, in 2007 Ken expressed his gratification that the firm he began in 1976 has grown to the vibrant and active firm that it remains today.