Bernard H. Shield died peacefully at the Methodist Hospital on January 8, 2009, at the age of 82. Bernard was born in the Panhandle town of Miami, Texas, on December 13, 1926. He left high school to enter the Navy at the end of World War II. Following his service to his country he studied at West Texas State University and the University of Texas at Austin. After graduating, he taught engineering briefly at UT before embarking on a career as a civil engineer, working first for the Texas Geological Survey, then for many years with the Celanese Corporation. He entered the consulting engineering field with Turner, Collie, and Braden, before launching his own civil engineering consulting firm. He was a specialist in concrete, hydraulics, and construction, and was a life-long member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He enjoyed his involvement in various other professional associations, including the Jaycees and the River Oaks Rotary Club.

Bernard's first love was ranching. He believed in good stewardship of the earth and of God's creatures, and was never happier than when he was tending his cattle.

Bernard was a life-long disciple of Jesus Christ and active in the United Methodist Church. He offered himself in service to many ministries in the various congregations to which he belonged. Faithfulness and integrity were hallmarks of his life.

Bernard was deeply devoted to his family. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gloria Mae, in 1980 and a granddaughter, Lindsay Ann Ray, in 2000. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Brenda Shield of Bay City; daughter Linda Shield Ray & husband Kenny of Burnet, TX; sons David Bernard Shield & wife Debra of Bay City and Robert C. Shield & wife Carla of Beaumont; sister Ardena Fehr of Greeley, CO; grandchildren Bryan K. Ray, Cecily Shield, Cara Shield, Matthew Murray, Joshua Shield & Emily Shield and great grandchildren Karsyn Murray, Kolbe Murray & Kaleb Murray.

A memorial service will be held in his honor 1:00 PM Monday, January 12, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church in Bay City with Rev. Chris Harrison officiating. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bay City Building Fund, 2300 Ave. H, Bay City, TX 77414, or the First United Methodist Church of Miami, TX scholarship fund, 201 South Main St., Miami, TX 79059.