William Hummer, 65-year Club member, dies at 91

William B. Hummer, an economist, financial journalist and 65-year member of the National Press Club, died Nov. 22 in Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital after suffering a heart attack. He was 91 and a long-time resident of the Chicago area.

Born in LaSalle, Ill., Hummer worked as a journalist after graduating from Princeton University in 1948 with a degree in economics. He worked in Chicago for the Journal of Commerce and in D.C. for the Washington Times-Herald before joining the investment firm founded by his father, Wayne Hummer. He served on numerous economic and forecasting adviser panels, including those for The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Bloomberg News, USA Today and Business Week. Hummer authored Bank Bond Comment, an advisory publication for community bankers.

Hummer served in the Army Air Corps in England during World War II and was recalled during the Korean War to serve as a counterintelligence officer. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Mussa, a daughter, son and brother.