The following are notable people who were either born, raised, or have lived for a significant period of time in the American state of

Kansas Kansas () is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita. Kansas is a landlocked state bordered by Nebraska to the north; Missouri to the east; Oklahoma to the south; and Colorado to the ...

Academics and Nobel Prize laureates

Milton S. Eisenhower Milton Stover Eisenhower (September 15, 1899 – May 2, 1985) was an American academic administrator. He served as president of three major American universities: Kansas State University, Pennsylvania State University, and Johns Hopkins Univers ...

(1899–1985), university president; Abilene *

Wendell Johnson Wendell Johnson (April 16, 1906 – August 29, 1965) was an American psychologist, author and was a proponent of general semantics (or GS). He was born in Roxbury, Kansas and died in Iowa City, Iowa where most of his life's work was based. The W ...

(1906–1965), psychologist and speech pathologist, author of ''

The Monster Study The Monster Study was a stuttering experiment performed on 22 orphan children in Davenport, Iowa in 1939. It was conducted by Wendell Johnson at the University of Iowa. Graduate student Mary Tudor conducted the experiment under Johnson's supervis ...

''; Roxbury * Jack S. Kilby (1923–2005), Nobel Prize winner in Physics;

Great Bend Great Bend is a city in and the county seat of Barton County, Kansas, United States. It is named for its location at the point where the course of the Arkansas River bends east then southeast. As of the 2020 census, the population of the ci ...

Solon Toothaker Kimball Solon Toothaker Kimball (August 12, 1909 – October 12, 1982) was a noted educator and anthropologist. Kimball was born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1930, then received a master's degree and Ph.D in ...

(1909–1982), anthropologist;

Manhattan Manhattan (), known regionally as the City, is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the five boroughs of New York City. The borough is also coextensive with New York County, one of the original counties of the U.S. state ...

Stanford Lehmberg Stanford E. Lehmberg (1931 – June 14, 2012) was an American historian and professor. Early life and schooling Stanford E. Lehmberg was born in McPherson, Kansas on 23 September 1931. Lehmberg's father was a Kansas dealer in farm implements, who ...

(1931–2012), historian; McPherson * Norman Malcolm (1911–1990), philosopher; Selden * Deane Waldo Malott (1898–1996), president of Cornell University; Abilene * Abby Lillian Marlatt (1869–1943), home economics;

Eric K. Meyer Eric K. Meyer (born August 23, 1953) is an American associate professor of journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is also a former associate dean for academic and administrative affairs with the university's College of Me ...

(born 1953), journalism professor and Pulitzer Prize nominee;

Marion Marion may refer to: People *Marion (given name) *Marion (surname) *Marion Silva Fernandes, Brazilian footballer known simply as "Marion" *Marion (singer), Filipino singer-songwriter and pianist Marion Aunor (born 1992) Places Antarctica * Mari ...

M. Lee Pelton M. Lee Pelton (born September 27, 1950) is the President and CEO of the Boston Foundation, the community foundation serving the Greater Boston area since 1915. A native of Wichita, Kansas, Pelton studied English literature at Wichita State Univer ...

(born 1950), president of Willamette University; Wichita * John Brooks Slaughter (born 1934), college president and first African-American director of the National Science Foundation; Topeka *

Vernon L. Smith Vernon Lomax Smith (born January 1, 1927) is an American economist and professor of business economics and law at Chapman University. He was formerly a professor of economics at the University of Arizona, professor of economics and law at Georg ...

(born 1927), Nobel

Memorial A memorial is an object or place which serves as a focus for the memory or the commemoration of something, usually an influential, deceased person or a historical, tragic event. Popular forms of memorials include landmark objects or works of a ...

Prize winner in Economics; Wichita *

Earl Wilbur Sutherland Jr. Earl Wilbur Sutherland Jr. (November 19, 1915 – March 9, 1974) was an American pharmacologist and biochemist born in Burlingame, Kansas. Sutherland won a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1971 "for his discoveries concerning the mechanis ...

(1915–1974), 1971 Nobel Prize winner in Physiology and Medicine; Burlingame * Donald Worster (born 1941), historian;

Lawrence Lawrence may refer to: Education Colleges and universities * Lawrence Technological University, a university in Southfield, Michigan, United States * Lawrence University, a liberal arts university in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States Preparator ...

Arts and literature

Artists

Nina E. Allender Nina Evans Allender (December 25, 1873 – April 2, 1957) was an American artist, cartoonist, and women's rights activist. She studied art in the United States and Europe with William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri. Allender worked as an organiz ...

(1873–1957), artist and women's suffrage cartoonist;

Auburn Auburn may refer to: Places Australia * Auburn, New South Wales * City of Auburn, the local government area *Electoral district of Auburn *Auburn, Queensland, a locality in the Western Downs Region *Auburn, South Australia *Auburn, Tasmania *Aub ...

Grace Bilger Grace Olive Reeve-Bilger (June 25, 1907 – October 1, 2000) was an American painter. Often signing the name of ''g.Bilger'' (and later ''g.Stansbury'') to her work. Bilger is mainly noted for her watercolor paintings of buildings, landscapes a ...

(1907–2000), artist;

Olathe Olathe ( ) is the county seat of Johnson County, Kansas, United States. It is the fourth-most populous city in both the Kansas City metropolitan area and the state of Kansas, with a 2020 population of 141,290. History 19th century Olathe was ...

* Grant Bond (born 1974), artist;

Kansas City The Kansas City metropolitan area is a bi-state metropolitan area anchored by Kansas City, Missouri. Its 14 counties straddle the border between the U.S. states of Missouri (9 counties) and Kansas (5 counties). With and a population of more ...

Blackbear Bosin Blackbear Bosin (June 5, 1921 – August 9, 1980) was a self-taught Comanche/Kiowa sculptor, painter, and commercial artist. He is also known by his Kiowa name, Tsate Kongia, which means "black bear." Bosin gained notoriety for his surreal and d ...

(1921–1980), Native American artist; Wichita * Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks (1917–2000), poet; Topeka *

Bruce Conner Bruce Conner (November 18, 1933 – July 7, 2008) was an American artist who worked with assemblage, film, drawing, sculpture, painting, collage, and photography. Biography Bruce Conner was born November 18, 1933 in McPherson, Kansas.His well- ...

(1933–2008), artist; McPherson * John Steuart Curry (1897–1946), artist;

Winchester Winchester is a City status in the United Kingdom, cathedral city in Hampshire, England. The city lies at the heart of the wider City of Winchester, a local government Districts of England, district, at the western end of the South Downs Nation ...

* Aaron Douglas (1900–1979), artist; Topeka *

Randall Duell Randall Duell (July 14, 1903 – November 28, 1992) was an American architect and motion picture art director. He designed Magic Mountain theme park in Santa Clarita, California, the original Universal Studio Tours in California, Six Flags ...

(1903–1992), architect and art director; Russell County *

Edgar Heap of Birds Edgar Heap of Birds (Cheyenne name: Hock E Aye Vi) is a multi-disciplinary artist. His art contributions include public art messages, large scale drawings, Neuf Series acrylic paintings, prints, and monumental porcelain enamel on steel outdoor scu ...

(born 1954), artist; Wichita * Bruce Helander (born 1947), artist;

* Elizabeth Layton (1909–1993), artist; Wellsville *

Evan Lindquist Evan Lindquist (born May 23, 1936) is an American artist and printmaker who was appointed to be the first Artist Laureate for the State of Arkansas. He has concentrated on the medium of copperplate engraving for more than 50 years. His compositi ...

(born 1936), printmaker, Artist Laureate of Arkansas; Salina * Barbara Morgan (1900–1992), photographer; Buffalo, Kansas * Gordon Parks (1912–2006), photographer and film director; Fort Scott *

Birger Sandzen Birger is a Scandinavian name from Old Norse, ''bjarga'', meaning "to help, to save, to protect". It is widely used in Norway as Birger but also as Børge. The Sweden, Swedish variant of ''Birger'' would soon evolve into ''Börje'', however, the pr ...

(1871–1954), artist, art professor at Bethany College;

Lindsborg Lindsborg is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 3,776. Lindsborg is known for its large Swedish, other Nordic and Scandinavian Americans ( Nordic- Scandinavian), and German ...

Gary Mark Smith Gary Mark Smith (born April 27, 1956) is an American street photographer.Near, Mitchell J. (2002-01-03) The MAG: Cover Story – The Art of War, A Lawrence artist captures street photography in world's hot spots. The Art MAG. http://www2.ljworld ...

(born 1956), photographer, studied at University of Kansas; Wichita *

W. Eugene Smith William Eugene Smith (December 30, 1918 – October 15, 1978) was an American photojournalist.Peacock, Scot. "W(illiam) Eugene Smith." ''Contemporary Authors Online'', Gale, 2003. ''Biography In Context'' He has been described as "perhaps the si ...

(1918–1978), photographer; Wichita * Mort Walker (1923–2018), cartoonist, creator of '' Beetle Bailey'' and '' Hi and Lois'' comic strips;

El Dorado El Dorado (, ; Spanish for "the golden"), originally ''El Hombre Dorado'' ("The Golden Man") or ''El Rey Dorado'' ("The Golden King"), was the term used by the Spanish in the 16th century to describe a mythical tribal chief (''zipa'') or king o ...

Authors

Laura Abbot Laura Abbot is an American writer of over a dozen romance novels in the ''Harlequin Superromance'' and ''Love Inspired Historical'' series. Early life Laura Abbot was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the eldest of three children. Abbot, a tomboy, ...

, author of Harlequin romance novels;

Gwendolyn Brooks Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks (June 7, 1917 – December 3, 2000) was an American poet, author, and teacher. Her work often dealt with the personal celebrations and struggles of ordinary people in her community. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetr ...

(1917–2000), author, poet; Topeka * William Burroughs (1914–1997), author; Lawrence *

Don Coldsmith Don Coldsmith (February 28, 1926 – June 25, 2009) was an American author of primarily Western fiction. A past president of Western Writers of America, Coldsmith wrote more than 40 books, as well as hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles ...

(1926–2009), author of Western fiction; Iola * Dorothy Canfield Fisher (1879–1958), author of children's books; Lawrence *

Thomas Frank Thomas may refer to: People * List of people with given name Thomas * Thomas (name) * Thomas (surname) * Saint Thomas (disambiguation) * Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, and Doctor of the Church * Thomas the Ap ...

(born 1965), author and editor; Mission Hills *

Clara H. Hazelrigg Clara H. Hazelrigg (, Espy; pen name, C. H. H.; November 23, 1859 – 1937) was an American author, educator and reformer. She began teaching school at a young age, and after marriage and removing to Kansas, she taught school and served as principa ...

(1861–1937), author, educator, social reformer; Council Grove *

Jane Heap Jane Heap (November 1, 1883 – June 18, 1964) was an American publisher and a significant figure in the development and promotion of literary modernism. Together with Margaret Anderson, her friend and business partner (who for some years was al ...

(1883–1964), author and publisher; Topeka * Scott Heim (born 1966), author; Hutchinson *

Langston Hughes James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1901 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest innovators of the literary art form called jazz poetry, Hug ...

(1902–1967), author and poet; Lawrence *

William Inge William Motter Inge (; May 3, 1913 – June 10, 1973) was an American playwright and novelist, whose works typically feature solitary protagonists encumbered with strained sexual relations. In the early 1950s he had a string of memorable Broad ...

(1913–1973), playwright;

Independence Independence is a condition of a person, nation, country, or state in which residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. The opposite of independence is the statu ...

Bill James George William James (born October 5, 1949) is an American baseball writer, historian, and statistician whose work has been widely influential. Since 1977, James has written more than two dozen books devoted to baseball history and statistics. ...

(born 1949), author; Mayetta *

Bill Martin Jr. William Ivan Martin Jr. (March 20, 1916 – August 11, 2004) was an American educator, publishing executive, and author of more than 300 children's books including ''The Sounds of Mystery,'' ''Chicka Chicka Boom Boom'' (co-authored with John Arc ...

(1916–2004), children's author; Hiawatha *

Fred Myton Fred Myton (November 15, 1885 – June 6, 1955) was an American screenwriter. He wrote 168 films between 1916 and 1952, mostly low-budget "B" pictures for Poverty Row studios and independent producers. He wrote many films for Producers Rele ...

(1885–1955), screenwriter; Garden City * Kathy Patrick, author, founder of

Pulpwood Queens The Pulpwood Queens is a meet-and-greet Book discussion club, book club founded in early 2000 in Jefferson, Texas, by Kathy Patrick, Kathy L. Patrick in a combined beauty salon and bookstore, Beauty and the Book. In a joint effort with Random Hous ...

Book Club; Eureka * Scott Phillips (born 1961), author; Wichita * Vance Randolph (1892–1980), folklorist; Pittsburg * Red Reeder (1902–1998), author and

United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, cla ...

officer;

Fort Leavenworth Fort Leavenworth () is a United States Army installation located in Leavenworth County, Kansas, in the city of Leavenworth, Kansas, Leavenworth. Built in 1827, it is the second oldest active United States Army post west of Washington, D.C., an ...

* Richard Rhodes (born 1937), author and historian;

Lois Ruby Lois Ruby is the author of several children's and young adult books, including some historical fiction. Her most notable works are the historical fiction novels ''Steal Away Home'' and ''The Secret of Laurel Oaks''. Personal life Ruby is a f ...

, author of historic fiction; Lawrence *

Damon Runyon Alfred Damon Runyon (October 4, 1880 – December 10, 1946) was an American newspaperman and short-story writer. He was best known for his short stories celebrating the world of Broadway in New York City that grew out of the Prohibition era. To ...

(1880–1946), author;

Mary Francis Shura Mary Francis Shura Craig, née Young (23 February 1923 in Pratt, Kansas – 12 January 1991 in Maywood, Illinois) was an American writer of over 50 novels from 1960 to 1990. She wrote children's literature, children's adventures and Young Adu ...

(1923–1990), children's, romance and mystery author;

Pratt Pratt is an English surname. Notable people with the surname include: A–F * Abner Pratt (1801–1863), American diplomat, jurist, politician, lawyer * Al Pratt (baseball) (1847–1937), American baseball player * Andy Pratt (baseball) (bor ...

* William Stafford (1914–1993), poet and pacifist; Hutchinson *

Max Yoho Max Yoho (1934 - April 22, 2017) began writing humorous books and poetry in 1988 after becoming a widower. Max has written several books including ''The Revival'' and ''Tales from Comanche County''. Biography Max Yoho was born in Colony, Kansa ...

(1934–2017), author;

Colony In modern parlance, a colony is a territory subject to a form of foreign rule. Though dominated by the foreign colonizers, colonies remain separate from the administration of the original country of the colonizers, the ''metropole, metropolit ...

Dancers

Clark Tippet Clark Tippet (October 5, 1954 in Parsons, Kansas – January 28, 1992 in Parsons, Kansas) was a danseur and choreographer. He was a member of the American Ballet Theatre company in New York City. Among other roles, he was the male Spanish Danc ...

(1954–1992), ballet;

Parsons Parsons may refer to: Places In the United States: * Parsons, Kansas, a city * Parsons, Missouri, an unincorporated community * Parsons, Tennessee, a city * Parsons, West Virginia, a town * Camp Parsons, a Boy Scout camp in the state of Washingto ...

Musicians

Athletics

Athletes

;A–F

Alvan Adams Alvan Leigh Adams (born July 19, 1954) is an American former professional basketball player. Adams spent his entire career with the Phoenix Suns and retired in 1988 as the second all-time Suns scorer with 13,910 career points. College career D ...

(born 1954), basketball;

* John H. Adams (1914–1995), jockey; Iola *

Neil Allen Neil Patrick Allen (born January 24, 1958) is an American baseball former pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Playing career New York Mets The New York Mets drafted Allen out of Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, in the elevent ...

(born 1958), baseball pitcher, pitching coach;

David Arkin David George Arkin (December 24, 1941 – January 14, 1991) was an American actor, known for his numerous supporting appearances in the films of Robert Altman. These roles were part of Altman's frequent ensemble and included Staff Sergeant Voll ...

(born 1987), pro football player; Wichita *

Elden Auker Elden LeRoy "Submarine" Auker (September 21, 1910 – August 4, 2006) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Browns between 1933 and 1942. Auker batted and threw right-handed. Auker w ...

(1910–2006), baseball pitcher; Norcatur *

Chase Austin Chase Austin (born October 3, 1989) is an American professional racing driver. He is a former development driver with Hendrick Motorsports and Rusty Wallace Racing, racing in NASCAR's Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. He also competed in ...

(born 1989), NASCAR driver; Eudora *

Chris Babb Chris Babb (born February 14, 1990) is an American professional basketball player for Bnei Herzliya of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He played college basketball for Pennsylvania State University and Iowa State University. Early life Ba ...

(born 1990), basketball player in the

Israeli Basketball Premier League Ligat HaAl ( he, ליגת העל, lit., ''Supreme League or Premier League''), or the Israeli Basketball Premier League, is the top-tier level league of professional sports, professional competition in Israeli sports club, club basketball, making ...

; Topeka * Ron Baker (born 1993), NBA player (

New York Knicks The New York Knickerbockers, shortened and more commonly referred to as the New York Knicks, are an American professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. The Knicks compete in the National Basketball Associat ...

); Utica and Scott City (born in Hays) *

Thane Baker Walter Thane Baker (born October 4, 1931) is an American former sprinter and winner of the gold medal in the 4x100 m relay at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, with a new world record of 39.5 seconds. At those Olympics Baker als ...

(born 1931), gold medalist at

1956 Summer Olympics The 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, from 22 November to 8 December 1956, with the exception of the equestrian events, whi ...

, decathlon; Elkhart *

Tony Barker Anthony Ray Barker (born September 7, 1968) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Kansas before transferring to Rice University following his sophomore year ...

(born 1968), football player; Wichita * Chris Barnes (born 1970), professional bowler; Topeka *

James Bausch James is a common English language surname and given name: *James (name), the typically masculine first name James * James (surname), various people with the last name James James or James City may also refer to: People * King James (disambiguat ...

(1906–1974), gold medalist

1932 Summer Olympics The 1932 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the X Olympiad and also known as Los Angeles 1932) were an international multi-sport event held from July 30 to August 14, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States. The Games were held duri ...

; Garden Plain *

Judy Bell Judy Bell (born September 23, 1936) is an American amateur golfer and golf administrator. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001 in the Lifetime Achievement category, which honors people who have made an exceptional contribution ...

(born 1936), member of World Golf Hall of Fame; Wichita *

Matt Besler Matthew Scott "Matt" Besler (; born February 11, 1987) is an American former professional soccer player. A left-sided central defender with the ability to play left-back. Besler spent the majority of his career in MLS with Sporting Kansas City ...

(born 1987), professional soccer player; Overland Park *

B.H. Born Bertram H. "B. H." Born (June 6, 1932 – February 3, 2013) was an American basketball Center (basketball), center. After graduating from Medicine Lodge High School in 1950, he played for the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball, Kansas Jayhawks f ...

(1932–2013), basketball player; Medicine Lodge * Clint Bowyer (born 1979), NASCAR driver; Emporia *

George Brett George Howard Brett (born May 15, 1953) is an American former professional baseball player who played all of his 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a third baseman for the Kansas City Royals. Brett's 3,154 career hits are second-mos ...

(born 1953), baseball Hall of Famer; Mission Hills *

Bryce Brown Bryce Lee Brown (born May 14, 1991) is a former American football running back who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Seattle Seahawks. He attended the University of Tennessee his freshman year of college, but decided to tra ...

(born 1991), football player; Wichita * Orville Brown (1908–1981), pro wrestler, NWA champion;

Sharon Sharon ( he, שָׁרוֹן ''Šārôn'' "plain") is a given name as well as an Israeli surname. In English-speaking areas, Sharon is now predominantly a feminine given name. However, historically it was also used as a masculine given name. In I ...

* Mildred Bliss Burke (1915–1989), pro wrestler, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame;

Coffeyville Coffeyville is a city in southeastern Montgomery County, Kansas, United States, located along the Verdigris River in the state's southeastern region. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 8,826. Coffeyville is the most popul ...

* Enos Cabell (born 1949), baseball player; Fort Riley *

Veronica Campbell-Brown Veronica Campbell-Brown CD ( Campbell; born 15 May 1982) is a retired Jamaican track and field sprinter, who specialized in the 100 and 200 meters.

(born 1982), track and field athlete (Olympic and world champion);

* Antoine Carr (born 1961), basketball player * Willie Cauley-Stein (born 1993), professional basketball player Spearville *

Larry Cheney Laurance Russell Cheney (May 2, 1886 – January 6, 1969) was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs (1911–15), Brooklyn Robins (1915–19), Boston Braves (1919) and Philadelphia Phillies (1919). Cheney bat ...

(1886–1969), baseball pitcher; Belleville *

Jack Christiansen John LeRoy Christiansen (December 20, 1928 – June 29, 1986) was an American professional football player who became a college and pro coach. He played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for the Detroit Lions as a safety an ...

(1928–1986), football Hall of Famer; Sublette *

Tony Clark Anthony Christopher Clark (born June 15, 1972) is an American professional baseball player and executive. He played in Major League Baseball as a first baseman from 1995 to 2009 and is the sixth executive director of the Major League Baseball P ...

(born 1972), baseball player;

Newton Newton most commonly refers to: * Isaac Newton (1642–1726/1727), English scientist * Newton (unit), SI unit of force named after Isaac Newton Newton may also refer to: Arts and entertainment * ''Newton'' (film), a 2017 Indian film * Newton ( ...

Maliek Collins Maliek Collins Sr. (born April 8, 1995) is an American football defensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Nebraska. Early years Collins was born on April 8, 1995, in Kansas Ci ...

(born 1995), football player;

* Baron Corbin (born 1984), football player, WWE wrestler; Lenexa *

Nolan Cromwell Nolan Neil Cromwell (born January 30, 1955) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks, where he earned ...

(born 1955), football player; Smith Center *

Aaron Crow Aaron James Crow (born November 10, 1986) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals. Early life Crow was born on November 10, 1986, in Topeka, Kansas to parents Kevi ...

(born 1986), baseball player; Topeka * Glenn Cunningham (1909–1988), silver medalist, 1936 Olympic Games,1,500m run; Elkhart * Johnny Damon (born 1973), baseball player; Fort Riley *

Eldon Danenhauer Eldon Danenhauer (October 4, 1935 – June 23, 2021) was an American football offensive tackle. He played college football at the Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, and professionally in the American Football League (NFL) with th ...

(1935–2021), football player; Clay Center * Darren Daulton (born 1962), baseball player; Arkansas City * Wantha Davis (1917–2012),

jockey A jockey is someone who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing. The word "jockey" originated from England and was used to describe the individual ...

;

Liberal Liberal or liberalism may refer to: Politics * a supporter of liberalism ** Liberalism by country * an adherent of a Liberal Party * Liberalism (international relations) * Sexually liberal feminism * Social liberalism Arts, entertainment and m ...

Joey Devine Joseph Neal Devine (born September 19, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics. Baseball career Atlanta Braves Devine was the Braves' first ...

(born 1983), baseball player; Junction City *

Lynn Dickey Clifford Lynn Dickey (born October 19, 1949) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons, primarily with the Green Bay Packers. He played college football at Kansas State and was sele ...

(born 1949), football player; Osawatomie * Andy Dirks (born 1986), baseball player; Burrton * Larry Drew (born 1958), basketball player and coach;

Mark Duckens Mark Anthony Duckens (born March 4, 1965) is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League. He played for the New York Giants (1989), the Detroit Lions (1990), and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 1992). He played at Mu ...

(born 1965), football player; Wichita *

Brian Duensing Brian Matthew Duensing (born February 22, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs. Amateur career High school Duensing went ...

(born 1983), baseball player; Marysville * Brody Eldridge (born 1987), football player; La Cygne * Tim Elliott (born 1986), mixed martial artist; Wichita * Maurice Evans (born 1978), basketball player; Wichita * Kyle Farnsworth (born 1976), baseball player; Wichita * Galen Fiss (1931–2006), football player; Johnson City *

Adrianna Franch Adrianna Nichole Franch (born November 12, 1990) is an American soccer goalkeeper who currently plays for Kansas City in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She is a member of the United States women's national soccer team. Early life A ...

(born 1990), soccer player (world champion); Salina *

Scott Fulhage Scott Alan Fulhage (born November 17, 1961) is a former National Football League punter who played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1987 to 1988 and the Atlanta Falcons from 1989 to 1992. College career Scott played college football at Kansas St ...

(born 1961), football player; Beloit ;G–M Maurice Greene, Sydney2000

Andrew Gachkar Andrew Gachkar (born November 4, 1988) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of th ...

(born 1988), football player; Overland Park * Kendall Gammon (born 1968), football player; Rose Hill *

Tyson Gay Tyson Gay (born August 9, 1982) is an American track and field sprinter who competes in the 100 and 200 meters. His 100 m personal best of 9.69 seconds is the American record and makes him tied for the second fastest athlete over 100 m ...

(born 1982), track and field athlete (world champion); Great Bend * Maurice Greene (born 1974), track and field athlete (world and Olympic champion);

Adrian Griffin Adrian Darnell Griffin Sr. (born July 4, 1974) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played in the NBA as a shooting guard ...

(born 1974), basketball player and coach; Wichita *

Geneo Grissom Geneo Grissom (born June 4, 1992) is a former American football defensive end. He played college football at the University of Oklahoma. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round with the 97th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Dra ...

(born 1992), football player; Hutchinson *

Andy Gruenebaum Andy Gruenebaum (; born December 30, 1982) is a retired American professional soccer goalkeeper. He was selected by the Columbus Crew with the third overall pick in the 2006 MLS Supplemental Draft. He made his MLS debut in 2006. Career Amateu ...

(born 1982), soccer player *

Don Gutteridge Donald Joseph Gutteridge (June 19, 1912 – September 7, 2008) was an American infielder, coach, manager and scout in Major League Baseball. Primarily a second baseman and third baseman, he was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Bro ...

(1912–2008), baseball player and manager; Pittsburg * Joe Hastings (born 1987), football player; Wichita *

Tanner Hawkinson Tanner Hawkinson (born May 14, 1990) is a former American football offensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL). Hawkinson played in college at the University of Kansas. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fift ...

(born 1990), football player; McPherson *

Mark Haynes Mark Haynes (born November 6, 1958) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League who played for the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos from 1980 until 1989.''NFL.com''"Mark Haynes, DB" Retrieved on May 14, 2013. ...

(born 1958), football player;

Ben Heeney Ben Heeney (born May 13, 1992) is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at Kansas. Early years Heeney attended Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Kansas. Helping to lead the Salthawks to three state titles. He pl ...

(born 1992), football player; Hutchinson *

Bobby Henrich Robert Edward Henrich (born December 24, 1938) is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He played parts of three seasons, from until , for the Cincinnati Redlegs. He was used most frequently as a pinch runner. Amateur career Born in Lawre ...

(born 1938), baseball player; Lawrence * Don Hill (1904–1967), football player; Hiawatha *

Shaun Hill Shaun Christopher Hill (born January 9, 1980) is a former American football quarterback who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college fo ...

(born 1980), football player;

Elon Hogsett Elon Chester "Chief" Hogsett (November 2, 1903 – July 17, 2001) was a professional baseball pitcher who threw with a left-handed submarine motion. He played in Major League Baseball from 1929 to 1938 plus a final season in 1944, appearing in 3 ...

(1903–2001), baseball player; Brownell *

Lionel Hollins Lionel Eugene Hollins (born October 19, 1953) is an American professional basketball coach and former player currently serving as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for the Portland ...

(born 1953), basketball player and coach; Arkansas City *

Scott Huffman Scott Huffman (born November 30, 1964, in Quinter, Kansas) is a retired American pole vaulter. He competed in the 1988, 1992, and 1996 Olympic Trials, earning a spot as an Olympian on the 1996 Atlanta team. He had a very successful NCAA record at t ...

(born 1964), pole vaulter; Quinter * Damian Johnson (born 1962), football player; Great Bend *

Walter Johnson Walter Perry Johnson (November 6, 1887 – December 10, 1946), nicknamed "Barney" and "The Big Train", was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in Major League Baseball as a right-ha ...

(1887–1946), baseball Hall of Famer; Humboldt *

Pete Kilduff Peter John Kilduff (April 4, 1893 – February 14, 1930), was a professional baseball player who played second base from 1917 to 1921, with the Giants, Cubs, and Brooklyn Robbins, and as a player / manager in the minors for several years after. ...

(1893–1930), baseball player;

Weir A weir or low head dam is a barrier across the width of a river that alters the flow characteristics of water and usually results in a change in the height of the river level. Weirs are also used to control the flow of water for outlets of l ...

Fred Kipp Fred Leo Kipp (born October 1, 1931) played professional baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Brooklyn / Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. He is the last living player to play for both the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Yankees. O ...

(born 1931), baseball pitcher; Piqua * Tonya Knight (born 1966), IFBB professional bodybuilder; Overland Park *

Laurie Koehn Laurie Koehn (born May 13, 1982) is a former professional basketball player, who is currently the associate coach for the Washington State Cougars women's basketball team. Education Born in Newton, Kansas, Koehn attended Moundridge High Schoo ...

(born 1982), WNBA player; Moundridge *

Gene Krug Gary Eugene Krug (born February 12, 1955) is an American former professional baseball player. He appeared in seven Major League games as a pinch hitter for the Chicago Cubs during the 1981 season. He had two hits in five at bats, including a sing ...

(born 1955), baseball player; Garden City *

Adam LaRoche David Adam LaRoche (born November 6, 1979) is an American former professional baseball first baseman who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, ...

(born 1979), baseball player; Fort Scott * Bobby Lashley (born 1976), professional wrestler for WWE; Junction City *

Shalee Lehning Shalee Lehning (born October 27, 1986) is a former American basketball player who most recently played for the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA. She was Associate Head Coach at the University of Northern Colorado under head coach Kamie Ethridge. Play ...

(born 1987), WNBA player; Sublette * Martin Lewis (born 1975), NBA basketball player;

* Danny Manning (born 1966), NBA basketball player; Lawrence *

Harold Manning Harold William Manning (January 9, 1909 – January 26, 2003) was an American long-distance runner. He held the American record in the men's 3000-meter steeplechase from 1934 to 1952 and briefly held the world best in 1936. He represented the Unit ...

(1909–2003), Steeplechase world record holder and Olympian; Sedgwick *

Rudy May Rudolph May, Jr. (born July 18, 1944) is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a left-handed pitcher in and from to for the California Angels, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles and Montreal Exp ...

(born 1944), baseball player;

Jon McGraw Jon Michael McGraw (born April 2, 1979) is a former American football safety. He was selected by the New York Jets with a second-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft out of Kansas State University. He has most recently played with the Kansas City Chi ...

, professional football player;

Riley Riley may refer to: Names * Riley (given name) * Riley (surname) Places * Riley Park–Little Mountain, a neighborhood in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada * Riley Creek (Ontario), a tributary of the Black River in Central Ontario, Canada * Ri ...

* Archie "Hap" McKain (1911–1985), baseball player; Delphos *

Peter Mehringer Peter Joseph Mehringer (July 15, 1910 – August 27, 1987) was an Olympic Gold Medal-winning freestyle wrestler from Kinsley, Kansas. Mehringer was nicknamed the "Kansas Whirlwind". After learning how to wrestle from a correspondence cour ...

(1910–1987), Olympic gold medalist wrestler, pro football player; Kinsley * Brian Moorman (born 1976), football player; Sedgwick * Mike Morin (born 1991), baseball player;

Leawood Leawood is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 33,902. History 19th century After the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, the area ...

;N–Z

Marcio Navarro Márcio Navarro (pronounced ; born September 17, 1978) is a retired Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and professional kickboxer. Navarro is the former International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) light middleweight oriental rules w ...

(born 1978), professional kickboxer and mixed martial artist; Wichita *

Jordy Nelson Jordy Ray Nelson (born May 31, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for 11 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and the Oakland Raiders. He played college football at Kansas State, where he ...

(born 1985), football player; Leonardville *

Terence Newman Terence Newman (born September 4, 1978) is a former American football cornerback. He played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Vikings. He played college football at Kansas State Wildc ...

(born 1978), football player; Salina *

Nicole Ohlde Nicole Katherine Ohlde (born March 13, 1982) is a former American professional basketball player. She most recently played for the Phoenix Mercury and the Tulsa Shock of the Women's National Basketball Association. College years Born in Clay Ce ...

(born 1982), WNBA player; Clay Center *

Antonio Orozco Antonio Orozco (born 23 November 1972 in Barcelona) is a Spanish singer-songwriter. He has won several prizes like the Premio Ondas and sold many records; his first album sold more than 100,000 copies, whereas his second album titled ''Semilla d ...

(born 1987), professional boxer; Garden City *

Victor Ortiz Victor Ortiz (born January 31, 1987) is an American professional boxer and film actor. He held the WBC welterweight title in 2011, and was formerly rated as one of the world's top three active welterweights by most sporting news and boxing web ...

(born 1987), professional boxer; Garden City * Bob Orton (1929–2006), professional wrestler;

Bob Orton Jr. Robert Keith Orton Jr. (born November 10, 1950), better known by the ring name "Cowboy" Bob Orton, is an American semi-retired professional wrestler. He is the son of professional wrestler Bob Orton Sr., the brother of professional wrestler Bar ...

(born 1950), professional wrestler, WWE Hall of Fame;

John Parrella John Lorin Parrella (born November 22, 1969) is an American football coach and former defensive tackle who is currently the Head Coach at Lutheran West High School in Rocky River, OH. Parrella was the assistant defensive line coach for the Cleve ...

(born 1969), professional football player; Topeka *

Hal Patterson Harold Edward Patterson (October 4, 1932November 21, 2011), nicknamed Prince Hal, was a star American college basketball player at the University of Kansas, and a professional Canadian football player with the Canadian Football League Montreal Al ...

(1932–2011), professional football player; Larned * Jordan Phillips (born 1992), professional football player; Towanda *

Joseph Randle Joseph David Randle (born December 29, 1991) is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played college foot ...

(born 1991), professional football player; Wichita * Ronn Reynolds (born 1958), professional baseball player; Wichita * Dustin Richardson (born 1984), MLB pitcher;

* John Riggins (born 1949), football player,

Pro Football Hall of Fame The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame for professional American football, located in Canton, Ohio. Opened on September 7, , the Hall of Fame enshrines exceptional figures in the sport of professional football, including players, coach ...

r; Centralia * Brandon Rios (born 1986), professional boxer; Garden City * Lafayette Russell (1905–1978), football player, B-movie actor "Reb" Russell; Osawatomie * Johnny Rutherford (born 1938), race car driver; Coffeyville * Jim Ryun (born 1947), athlete and politician; Wichita * Barry Sanders (born 1968), football player, NFL Hall of Famer; Wichita *

Melvin Sanders Melvin Ray Sanders (born January 3, 1981) is an American former professional basketball player. He played for the National Basketball Association's San Antonio Spurs. Professional career A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Sanders, a guard a ...

(born 1981), pro basketball player; Liberal *

Wes Santee David Wesley Santee (March 25, 1932 – November 14, 2010) was an American middle distance runner and athlete who competed mainly in the 1,500 meters and mile events. Born in Ashland, Kansas, Santee was nicknamed the "Ashland Antelope." Sante ...

(1932–2010), NCAA cross country champion, track and field athlete; Ashland *

Gale Sayers Gale Eugene Sayers (May 30, 1943September 23, 2020) was an American professional football player who was both a halfback and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). In a relatively brief but highly productive NFL career, Saye ...

(1943–2020), NFL Hall of Famer; Wichita *

Otto Schnellbacher Otto Ole Schnellbacher (April 15, 1923 – March 10, 2008) was an American football safety and end in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Giants. He was a twice Pro Bowler. Also a professional basketball player, Schnellbacher pla ...

(1923–2008), pro basketball and football player; Sublette *

Ryan Schraeder Ryan Schraeder (born May 4, 1988) is a former American football offensive tackle. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played college football at Valdosta State. Early years Schraeder did not play high sch ...

(born 1988), professional football player; Wichita *

Wayne Simien Wayne Anthony Simien Jr. (born March 9, 1983) is an American former professional basketball player, who last played with Spain's Cáceres Ciudad de Baloncesto. He was a member of the Miami Heat when they won the 2006 NBA championship. Simien pla ...

(born 1983), NCAA All-American, NBA basketball player; Leavenworth *

Mark Simoneau Mark Lee Simoneau (born January 16, 1977) is a former American college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played college football for Kansas State University and was r ...

(born 1977), professional football player; Smith Center *

Marilynn Smith Marilynn Louise Smith (April 13, 1929 – April 9, 2019) was an American professional golfer. She was one of the thirteen founders of the LPGA in 1950. She won two major championships and 21 LPGA Tour events in all. She is a member of the World ...

(1929–2019), professional golfer and LPGA co-founder; Topeka * Darren Sproles (born 1983), professional football player;

* Bubba Starling (born 1992), professional baseball player; Gardner *

Lee Stevens DeWain Lee Stevens (born July 10, 1967) is a former first baseman and designated hitter drafted by the California Angels in 1986. A highly regarded prospect, Stevens batted .314 with 19 home runs for the Triple A Edmonton Trappers in 1991. The ...

(born 1967), professional baseball player; Lawrence * Jackie Stiles (born 1978), WNBA basketball player; Claflin * Stewart "Smokey" Stover (born 1938), professional football player; McPherson *

Darrell Stuckey Darrell Stuckey, Jr. (born June 16, 1987) is a former American football safety. He played college football at the University of Kansas. Stuckey was an All-Big 12 First-team selection in 2008 and was considered one of the top safeties available ...

(born 1987), professional football player;

Tom Sturdivant Thomas Virgil Sturdivant (April 28, 1930 – February 28, 2009), nicknamed "Snake", was an American pitcher who played for the New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators (1961–71), Washington Senators, Pittsbu ...

(1930–2009), professional baseball player; Gordon *

Steve Tasker Steven Jay Tasker (born April 10, 1962) is an American sports reporter, locally in Western New York on the MSG Western New York cable TV station, and on WGR Radio and formerly for CBS Sports. He is a former football player who was a wide receive ...

(born 1962), NFL Pro Bowl MVP in 1993; Leoti (born in Smith Center * Luther Haden "Dummy" Taylor (1875–1958), baseball pitcher; Oskaloosa *

Doug Terry Douglas Maurice Terry (born February 10, 1968) is a former professional American football player who played defensive back for four seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. References

1969 births Living people People from Desha County, Arkansas ...

(born 1968), pro football player; Liberal * Tommy Thompson (1916–1989), pro football player; Hutchinson *

Joe Tinker Joseph Bert Tinker (July 27, 1880 – July 27, 1948) was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played from 1902 through 1916 for the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Chicago Whales of the ...

(1880–1948), MLB shortstop, member of Baseball Hall of Fame; Muscotah * Blake Treinen (born 1988), professional baseball player; Osage City * Jerame Tuman (born 1976), pro football player; Liberal * Ron Warner (born 1975), professional football player;

* Earl Watson (born 1979), NBA basketball player;

* Tom Watson (born 1949), golfer, member of World Golf Hall of Fame; Stilwell *

Mitch Webster Mitchell Dean Webster (born May 16, 1959) is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1983 through 1995 for the Toronto Blue Jays, Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers. Lis ...

(born 1959), MLB player; Larned *

Kendra Wecker Kendra Renee Wecker (born December 16, 1982 in Marysville, Kansas) is a former American professional basketball player in the WNBA. She formerly played forward for the San Antonio Silver Stars and Washington Mystics. In the off season, she playe ...

(born 1982), WNBA player; Marysville *

Michael Wilhoite Michael Wilhoite (born December 7, 1986) is an American football coach and former linebacker who is currently the outside linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Washburn Univ ...

(born 1986), pro football player;

* Jess Willard (1881–1968), world heavyweight boxing champion, St. Clere; Pottawatomie County *

Kamerion Wimbley Kamerion Wimbley (born October 13, 1983) is a former American football outside linebacker and defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft with the 13th ove ...

(born 1983), professional football player; Wichita * Lynette Woodard (born 1959), basketball Hall of Famer; Wichita * Brad Ziegler (born 1979), baseball player;

John Zook John Eldon Zook (September 24, 1947 – June 6, 2020) was an American professional football player who was a defensive end for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons. Zoo ...

(1947–2020), professional football player; Garden City

Coaches

Aviators and astronauts

* Walter Herschel Beech (1891–1950), aviator and aircraft designer; Wichita * Clyde Vernon Cessna (1879–1954), aviator and aircraft designer; Rago *

Amelia Earhart Amelia Mary Earhart ( , born July 24, 1897; disappeared July 2, 1937; declared dead January 5, 1939) was an American aviation pioneer and writer. Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She set many oth ...

(1897–1937), aviator; Atchison * Joe Engle (born 1932), astronaut;

Chapman Chapman may refer to: Businesses * Chapman Entertainment, a former British television production company * Chapman Guitars, a guitar company established in 2009 by Rob Chapman * Chapman's, a Canadian ice cream and ice water products manufacturer ...

* Ronald Evans (1933–1990), astronaut; St. Francis * Daniel Forbes (1920–1948),

United States Army Air Corps The United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) was the aerial warfare service component of the United States Army between 1926 and 1941. After World War I, as early aviation became an increasingly important part of modern warfare, a philosophical r ...

pilot; Carbondale * Steve Hawley (born 1951), astronaut; Salina * Donald Hudson (1895–1967), World War I flying ace; Topeka *

Glenn L. Martin Glenn Luther Martin (January 17, 1886 – December 5, 1955) was an early American aviation pioneer. He designed and built his own aircraft and was an active pilot, as well as an aviation record-holder. He founded an aircraft company in 1912 whi ...

(1886–1955), aviation pioneer; Salina * Lloyd Carlton Stearman (1898–1975), aviator and aircraft designer; Wellsford

Businesspeople and inventors

Philip Anschutz Philip Frederick Anschutz ( ; born December 28, 1939) is an American billionaire businessman who owns or controls companies in a variety of industries, including energy, railroads, real estate, sports, newspapers, movies, theaters, arenas and m ...

(born 1939), billionaire investor;

Russell Russell may refer to: People * Russell (given name) * Russell (surname) * Lady Russell (disambiguation) * Lord Russell (disambiguation) Places Australia *Russell, Australian Capital Territory *Russell Island, Queensland (disambiguation) **Ru ...

Bion Barnett Bion Hall Barnett (October 7, 1857 – October 30, 1958) was an American banker. In 1877 he co-founded Barnett Bank, known as ''"Florida's Bank"'', the largest in the U.S. state of Florida at the time of its acquisition by NationsBank in 1997 ...

(1857–1958), co-founder of Barnett Bank; Hiawatha *

Olive Ann Beech Olive Ann Beech (September 25, 1903 – July 6, 1993) was an American aerospace businesswoman who was the co-founder, president, and chairwoman of the Beech Aircraft Corporation. She founded the company in 1932 with her husband, Walter Beech ...

, chairwoman of Beech Aircraft Company; Wichita (born in Waverly) *

Dan and Frank Carney Brothers Dan (born 1931) and Frank Carney (April 26, 1938 – December 2, 2020) were American businessmen who founded Pizza Hut, owned by Yum! Brands. Early years Dan and Frank Carney were born into a blended family of twelve children, and ra ...

(Dan born 1931, Frank 1938–2020), founders of Pizza Hut; Wichita * Walter Chrysler (1875–1940), founder of Chrysler Corporation; Wamego *

William Coffin Coleman William Coffin Coleman (May 21, 1870 – November 2, 1957) was a businessman, the American founder of the Coleman Company, a maker of camping equipment, and a politician. He served as the Mayor of Wichita, Kansas from 1923 to 1924. Biography ...

(1870–1957), founder of the Coleman Company; Wichita * David Dillon (born 1951), former CEO of Kroger; Hutchinson *

Vic Edelbrock Otis Victor Edelbrock, Sr. (August 16, 1913 – November 11, 1962) was an American automotive aftermarket performance parts engineer, racer and is considered one of the founders of the American hot rod movement Victor, known as "Vic", establish ...

(1913–1962), automotive engineer; Eudora * David Green (born 1941), founder of Hobby Lobby; Emporia *

James Harbord Lieutenant General James Guthrie Harbord (March 21, 1866 – August 20, 1947) was a senior officer of the United States Army and president and chairman of the board of RCA. Early life Harbord was born in Bloomington, Illinois, the son of Geo ...

(1866–1947), president and chairman of the board of RCA;

Hollis Dow Hedberg Hollis Dow Hedberg (May 29, 1903 – August 14, 1988; nickname: "El Doctor Hedberg") was an American geologist specializing in petroleum exploration. His contribution to stratigraphic classification of rocks and procedures is a monumental work whi ...

(1903–1988), president of Gulf Oil Company; Falun * William Wadsworth Hodkinson (1881–1971), pioneer film marketer and distributor; Independence * Carl Ice (born 1956), President of BNSF; Topeka *

Omar Knedlik Omar S. Knedlik (December 21, 1916 – March 14, 1989) was an American inventor and businessman. He was best known as the inventor of the ICEE frozen drink. He was born and raised a poor farm boy in Barnes, Kansas in 1916. Knedlik was a World War ...

(1915–1989), inventor of the ICEE frozen drink;

Barnes Barnes may refer to: People * Barnes (name), a family name and a given name (includes lists of people with that name) Places United Kingdom *Barnes, London, England **Barnes railway station ** Barnes Bridge railway station ** Barnes Railway Bri ...

Charles G. Koch Charles de Ganahl Koch ( ; born November 1, 1935) is an American billionaire businessman. As of November 2022, he was ranked as the 13th richest person in the world on ''Bloomberg Billionaires Index'', with an estimated net worth of $66 billio ...

(born 1935), CEO of Koch Industries; Wichita *

David H. Koch David Hamilton Koch ( ; May 3, 1940 – August 23, 2019) was an American businessman, political activist, philanthropist, and chemical engineer. In 1970, he joined the family business: Koch Industries, the second largest privately held c ...

(1940–2019), executive and politician; Wichita *

Alan Mulally Alan Roger Mulally (born August 4, 1945) is an American aerospace engineer and manufacturing executive. He is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ford Motor Company. He retired from Ford Motor Company on July 1, 2014. Ford ...

(born 1945), engineer, former president and CEO of the

Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (commonly known as Ford) is an American multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. It was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. The company sells automobi ...

; Lawrence *

Matthew K. Rose Matthew K. Rose (born 1960 in Salina, Kansas) was the Chairman and CEO of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. from 2002 to December 31, 2013. In December 2013, Rose's role was shifted to that of executive chairman, renewing speculation he might be ...

(born 1959), chairman and CEO of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.; Salina *

Harry F. Sinclair Harry Ford Sinclair (July 6, 1876 – November 10, 1956) was an American industrialist, and the founder of Sinclair Oil. He was implicated in the 1920s Teapot Dome scandal, and served six months in prison for jury tampering. Afterwards he return ...

(1876–1956), founder of

Sinclair Oil Sinclair Oil Corporation was an American petroleum corporation, founded by Harry F. Sinclair on May 1, 1916, the Sinclair Oil and Refining Corporation combined, amalgamated, the assets of 11 small petroleum companies. Originally a New York corp ...

Company; Independence * Russell Stover (1888–1954), founder of

Russell Stover Candies Russell Stover Chocolates, Inc., founded by Russell Stover, an American chemist and entrepreneur, and his wife Clara Stover in 1923, is an American supplier of candy, chocolate, and confections. The corporate headquarters are in Kansas City, M ...

;

Alton Alton may refer to: People *Alton (given name) *Alton (surname) Places Australia *Alton National Park, Queensland *Alton, Queensland, a town in the Shire of Balonne Canada * Alton, Ontario * Alton, Nova Scotia New Zealand * Alton, New Zealand, ...

Film, stage and television

Actors and performers

Directors

Michael Almereyda Michael Almereyda (born April 7, 1960) is an American film director, screenwriter, and film producer. Early work Almereyda studied art history at Harvard but dropped out after three years to pursue filmmaking. He acquired a Hollywood agent on ...

(born 1960), film director; Overland Park * Steve Balderson (born 1975), film director; Wamego * Darren Lynn Bousman (born 1979), film director; Overland Park *

Chris Buck Christopher James Buck (born February 24, 1958) is an American film director, animator, and screenwriter known for co-directing ''Tarzan'' (1999), '' Surf's Up'' (2007) (which was nominated for the 2007 Oscar for Best Animated Feature), '' Fr ...

(born 1960), film director, animator; Wichita *

Eric Darnell Eric Darnell (born August 21, 1961) is an American animator, storyboard artist, director, screenwriter, songwriter and occasional voice actor best known for co-directing ''Antz'' with Tim Johnson, as well as co-directing and co-writing ''Madagas ...

(born 1960), director, writer, songwriter, animator; Prairie Village *

(1903–1992), art director; Russell County * Alex Graves (born 1968), television director; El Dorado *

Sherman Halsey Sherman Brooks Halsey (February 22, 1957 – October 29, 2013) was an American music video and television director, producer, and artist manager. Sherman Halsey produced and directed hundreds of television shows and music videos for artists ...

, music video and television director; Independence *

Martin and Osa Johnson Martin Elmer Johnson (October 9, 1884 – January 13, 1937) and Osa Helen Johnson (née Leighty, March 14, 1894 – January 7, 1953) were married United States, American adventurers and documentary filmmakers. In the first half of the 20th cent ...

(1884–1937 and 1894–1953), film pioneer, explorer; Chanute *

Oscar Micheaux Oscar Devereaux Micheaux (; January 2, 1884 – March 25, 1951) was an author, film director and independent producer of more than 44 films. Although the short-lived Lincoln Motion Picture Company was the first movie company owned and controlled ...

(1893–1951), film director;

* Gordon Parks (1912–2006), film director; Fort Scott *

Richard Thorpe Richard Thorpe (born Rollo Smolt Thorpe; February 24, 1896 – May 1, 1991) was an American film director best known for his long career at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Biography Born Rollo Smolt Thorpe in Hutchinson, Kansas, Richard Thorpe began his en ...

(1896–1991), film director; Hutchinson

Public figures

Journalists

Frank Marshall Davis Frank Marshall Davis (December 31, 1905 – July 26, 1987) was an American journalist, poet, political and labor movement activist, and businessman. Davis began his career writing for African American newspapers in Chicago. He moved to Atlanta ...

(1905–1987), journalist, poet, political and

labor movement The labour movement or labor movement consists of two main wings: the trade union movement (British English) or labor union movement (American English) on the one hand, and the political labour movement on the other. * The trade union movement ...

activist; Arkansas City *

Steve Doocy ''yes'Steve is a masculine given name, usually a short form (hypocorism) of Steven or Stephen Notable people with the name include: steve jops * Steve Abbott (disambiguation), several people * Steve Adams (disambiguation), several people * Steve ...

(born 1956), co-host of

Fox News The Fox News Channel, abbreviated FNC, commonly known as Fox News, and stylized in all caps, is an American multinational conservative cable news television channel based in New York City. It is owned by Fox News Media, which itself is owne ...

's '' Fox & Friends''; Abilene * Elizabeth Farnsworth (born 1943), television journalist; Topeka *

William M. Gallagher William M. Gallagher (February 26, 1923 – September 28, 1975) was an American photographer who won the 1953 Pulitzer Prize for Photography for his photograph of presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson II. Gallagher was a photographer for 27 yea ...

(1923–1975), Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist; Hiawatha * Jane Grant (1892–1972), journalist who co-founded ''

The New Yorker ''The New Yorker'' is an American weekly magazine featuring journalism, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry. Founded as a weekly in 1925, the magazine is published 47 times annually, with five of these issues ...

''; Girard * E. W. Howe (1853–1937), author and newspaper editor;

Atchison Atchison may refer to: Places In the United States: *Atchison, California, a former settlement *Atchison, Kansas, a city *Atchison County, Kansas *Atchison County, Missouri People with the surname * Bob Atchison (born 1941), Canadian drag race ...

* Bill Kurtis (born 1940), television journalist; Independence * Jim Lehrer (1934–2020), television journalist; Wichita * Melissa McDermott (born 1960s), television news anchor for CBS's '' Up to the Minute''; Wichita *

Clementine Paddleford Clementine Paddleford (September 27, 1898 – November 13, 1967) was an American food writer active from the 1920s through the 1960s, writing for several publications, including the New York ''Herald Tribune'', the ''New York Sun'', ''The New ...

(1898–1967), journalist and food critic;

Riley County Riley County (standard abbreviation: RL) is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 71,959. The largest city and county seat is Manhattan. Riley County is home to two of Kansas's largest employer ...

* Eugene C. Pulliam (1889–1975), founder Central Newspapers, Inc.;

Ulysses Ulysses is one form of the Roman name for Odysseus, a hero in ancient Greek literature. Ulysses may also refer to: People * Ulysses (given name), including a list of people with this name Places in the United States * Ulysses, Kansas * Ulysse ...

Roy A. Roberts Roy Allison Roberts (1887 – February 23, 1967) was a managing editor, president, editor and general manager of ''The Kansas City Star'' who guided the paper during its influential period during the Presidencies of Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. E ...

(1887–1967), newspaper editor; Muscotah *

(1918–1978), photojournalist; Wichita *

John Cameron Swayze John Cameron Swayze (April 4, 1906 – August 15, 1995) was an American news commentator and game show panelist during the 1940s and 1950s who later became best known as a product spokesman. Early life Born in Wichita, Kansas, Swayze was the ...

(1906–1995), television journalist; Wichita *

Julius Wayland Julius Augustus Wayland (April 26, 1854 – November 10, 1912) was a Midwestern US socialist during the Progressive Era. He is most noted for publishing '' Appeal to Reason'', a socialist publication often deemed to be the most important socialis ...

(1854–1912), newspaper editor, '' Appeal to Reason''; Girard * William Allen White (1868–1944), author and newspaper editor; Emporia *

Gene Wojciechowski Gene Wojciechowski () is a sports writer, best known for his work with ESPN. Born in Salina, Kansas, Wojciechowski received a bachelor's degree in communications and journalism from the University of Tennessee and began his career as a sports w ...

, author, sportswriter and ESPN commentator; Salina

Politics and law

Military and national security

Religious

* William Bickerton (1815–1905), founder of the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) and the Zion Valley, Kansas, colony; St. John *

Charles J. Chaput Charles Joseph Chaput ( ; born September 26, 1944) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the ninth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, serving from 2011 until 2020. He previously served as archb ...

(born 1944), Archbishop,

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denver The Archdiocese of Denver ( la, Archidiœcesis Denveriensis) is a Latin Church ecclesiastical jurisdiction or diocese of the Catholic Church that encompasses northern Colorado. It is part of the XIII Conference Region and includes 113 parishes, 3 ...

; Concordia *

Sheri L. Dew Sheri Linn Dew (born November 21, 1953) is an American author, publisher, the executive vice president of Deseret Management Corporation, and chief executive officer of the Deseret Book Company, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dew has als ...

(born 1953), influential

Latter-day Saint Mormons are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, the principal branch of the Latter Day Saint movement started by Joseph Smith in upstate New York during the 1820s. After Smith's death in 1844, the movement split into several ...

spokeswoman;

Bart D. Ehrman Bart Denton Ehrman (born 1955) is an American New Testament scholar focusing on textual criticism of the New Testament, the historical Jesus, and the origins and development of early Christianity. He has written and edited 30 books, including t ...

(born 1955),

New Testament The New Testament grc, Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη, transl. ; la, Novum Testamentum. (NT) is the second division of the Christian biblical canon. It discusses the teachings and person of Jesus, as well as events in first-century Christ ...

scholar; Lawrence *

Jerry Johnston Jerome Richard "Jerry" Johnston (born May 12, 1959) is an American evangelical Christian pastor, author, and docu-filmmaker. Johnston is currently vice president for Innovation and Strategic marketing at Houston Baptist University in Houston, Te ...

(born 1959), Southern Baptist Convention evangelist and pastor; Overland Park *

Emil Kapaun Emil Joseph Kapaun (April 20, 1916 – May 23, 1951) was a Roman Catholic priest and United States Army captain who served as a United States Army chaplain during World War II and the Korean War. Kapaun was a chaplain in the Burma Theate ...

(1916–1951), Army chaplain Korean War, posthumous Medal of Honor recipient, Catholic martyr and sainthood candidate; Pilsen *

Ron Kenoly Ron Kenoly (born December 6, 1944) is an American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter whose expressed mission is "to create an environment for the manifest presence of God". His musical style is one of jubilant praise and individu ...

(born 1944), musical worship leader; Coffeyville * Fred Phelps (1929–2014), leader of Westboro Baptist Church; Topeka * James Reeb (1927–1965), Unitarian minister beaten to death by segregationists in Selma, Alabama, during the Civil Rights Movement; Wichita *

David Laurin Ricken David Laurin Ricken (born November 9, 1952) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as the bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay in Wisconsin since 2008. Ricken previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne in Wyoming ...

(born 1954), bishop of

Roman Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne The Diocese of Cheyenne ( la, Dioecesis Cheyennensis) is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Catholic Church that encompasses the entire U.S. state of Wyoming. It is suffragan diocese in the ecclesiastical province of the me ...

; Dodge City *

Michael Jarboe Sheehan Michael Jarboe Sheehan (born July 9, 1939) is a retired American prelate of the Catholic Church who served as the eleventh Archbishop of Santa Fe. He was the Bishop of Lubbock from 1983 to 1993. Early life and ministry Michael Sheehan was born ...

(born 1939), Archbishop of Santa Fe; Wichita * M. Madeline Southard (1877–1967), Methodist minister and writer * John Joseph Sullivan (1920–2001), Bishop of

Grand Island, Nebraska Grand Island is a city in and the county seat of Hall County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 53,131 at the 2020 census. Grand Island is the principal city of the Grand Island metropolitan area, which consists of Hall, Merrick, ...

, and Kansas City-St. Joseph;

Horton Horton may refer to: Places Antarctica * Horton Glacier, Adelaide Island, Antarctica * Horton Ledge, Queen Elizabeth Land, Antarctica Australia * Horton, Queensland, a town and locality in the Bundaberg Region * Horton River (Australia), ...

Gerald B. Winrod Gerald Burton Winrod (March 7, 1900 – November 11, 1957) was an American antisemitic evangelist, author, and political activist. He was charged with sedition during World War II, charges were later dropped. Biography He was born on March 7, 19 ...

(1900–1957), evangelical Christian and Nazi sympathizer; Wichita * Gordon Winrod (born 1926), Christian Identity minister; Hesston

Scientists and programmers

Others

Notable individuals

Notable historical figures not from Kansas but who participated in a significant event in Kansas

John Brown John Brown most often refers to: *John Brown (abolitionist) (1800–1859), American who led an anti-slavery raid in Harpers Ferry, Virginia in 1859 John Brown or Johnny Brown may also refer to: Academia * John Brown (educator) (1763–1842), Ir ...

(1800–1859), abolitionist; Osawatomie *

Buffalo Bill Cody William Frederick Cody (February 26, 1846January 10, 1917), known as "Buffalo Bill", was an American soldier, bison hunter, and showman. He was born in Le Claire, Iowa Territory (now the U.S. state of Iowa), but he lived for several years in ...

(1846–1917), buffalo hunter and showman; Leavenworth *

Wyatt Earp Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp (March 19, 1848 – January 13, 1929) was an American lawman and gambler in the American West, including Dodge City, Deadwood, and Tombstone. Earp took part in the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, during which law ...

(1848–1929), lawman; Wichita and Dodge City *

Mary Tenney Gray Mary Davy Tenney Gray ( Tenney; June 19, 1833 – October 11, 1904; known as the "Mother of the Women's Club Movement in Kansas") was a 19th-century American editorial writer, clubwoman, philanthropist, and suffragist from Pennsylvania, who later ...

(1833-1904), known as the "Mother of the Women's Club Movement in Kansas";

Dora Hand Dora Hand (c. 1844 – October 4, 1878), aged c. 34, was an American dance hall singer and actress in Dodge City, Kansas, who was mistakenly shot to death from ambush by a young suitor who was acquitted of criminal charges in the case. Hand was ...

(1844–1878), dance hall singer, Dodge City * Wild Bill Hickok (1837–1876), lawman; Hays and Abilene *

John James Ingalls John James Ingalls (December 29, 1833August 16, 1900) was an American Republican politician who served as a United States senator from Kansas. Ingalls is credited with suggesting the state motto and designing the state seal. Life and career John ...

(1833–1900), politician *

Kris Kobach Kris William Kobach ( ; born March 26, 1966) is an American lawyer and politician who is the Attorney General of Kansas. He previously served as the 31st Secretary of State of Kansas. A former Chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, Kobach came ...

(born 1966), candidate for Governor in 2018, Kansas Secretary of State * James H. Lane (1814–1866), abolitionist, senator and union general; Lawrence * Bat Masterson (1853–1921), lawman; Dodge City * Carrie Nation (1846–1911), temperance activist; Medicine Lodge *

Mary Bell Smith Mary Bell Smith ( Blair; after first marriage, Bell; after second marriage, Smith; August 3, 1818 – December 9, 1894) was a 19th-century American educator, social reformer, and writer. Active in the early Women's Crusade movement, 1873, for man ...

(1818-1894), organizer and first president, Kansas

Woman's Christian Temperance Union The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is an international temperance organization, originating among women in the United States Prohibition movement. It was among the first organizations of women devoted to social reform with a program th ...

Crime

Fictional persons

References

{{Lists of people by U.S. state Lists of people from Kansas