List of people from Adrian, Michigan

The following list includes notable people who were born or have lived in Adrian, Michigan.

Academics and engineering

 * William James Beal, botanist; co-founder of Collegeville (later known as East Lansing); born in Adrian
 * Norman Bel Geddes, theatrical and industrial designer (1939 New York World's Fair pavilion "Futurama"); born in Adrian
 * Myrtle Craig Mowbray, educator and first African American woman to graduate from the Michigan Agricultural College in 1907; born in Adrian
 * Garry Wills, prolific Pulitzer Prize-winning author, journalist, and historian, grew up in Adrian

Business

 * Orville D. Merillat, founder of Merillat Kitchens, later Merillat Industries; moved to Adrian as a young man

Media and music

 * Kirk Baily (1963–2022), actor
 * Priscilla Bonner (1899–1996), silent screen movie star; grew up in Adrian
 * Byron Darnton, war correspondent for the New York Times during World War II; born in Adrian
 * Allen Lee Haff, television personality (Auction Hunters); born in Adrian
 * Margaret Wynne Lawless (1847–1926) poet, author, educator, philanthropist
 * Matt Noveskey, bass player for Blue October; born in Adrian
 * James Royce Shannon (1881–1946), composer and lyricist; born in Adrian

Politics and law

 * Fernando C. Beaman, former U.S. Congressman; lived in Adrian and was mayor in 1856
 * Jerome B. Chaffee, U.S. Senator from Colorado; lived in Adrian where he was a teacher and local businessman
 * Thomas M. Cooley, 25th Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court; lived in Adrian
 * Charles Croswell, 17th Governor of Michigan; lived in Adrian
 * William L. Greenly, fifth Governor of Michigan; lived in Adrian
 * Chris Gregoire, 22nd Governor of Washington; born in Adrian
 * Haviland H. Lund, inspector of home settlement projects for the United States Department of the Interior; born in Adrian

Crime

 * Sile Doty, infamous criminal gang leader; lived in Adrian

Baseball

 * Rube Kisinger (1876–1941), pitcher for the Detroit Tigers; born in Adrian
 * Mike Marshall (1943-2021), pitcher with 9 different Major League Baseball teams; 2× All-Star (1974, 1975); recipient of the Cy Young Award (1974); born in Adrian
 * Frank Navin (1871–1935), principal owner of the Detroit Tigers (1909–1935); vice president and acting president of the American League; born in Adrian

Coaching

 * William Reid, basketball player, led Adrian High School to 1912 state title, coach at Colgate University, NCAA administrator and member of Basketball Hall of Fame
 * Dale R. Sprankle, championship coach at Adrian College

Football

 * Marcus Benard, linebacker for Arizona Cardinals; born in Adrian
 * Kellen Davis, tight end for New York Jets, formerly for Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns; born in Adrian
 * Dorne Dibble, wide receiver for the Detroit Lions; 2x NFL Champion (1953, 1957); born in Adrian
 * John Maulbetsch, All-American football halfback; played for Adrian College in 1911
 * Bob Westfall (1919–1980), All-American football fullback; played for Michigan 1939–1941; played for Detroit Lions 1945 All-pro; inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987; lived in Adrian

Military

 * John Hack, awarded the Medal of Honor; grew up in Adrian and joined the Union Army there