ORANGE, MA – Bernal Freeman Powers Jr., passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at the home of his daughter, surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness. He was 94 years old.
Born on February 23, 1932, in Millinocket, Maine, Bernal graduated from Orange High School in Orange, Massachusetts, in 1949. Known as “Bunny” to his high school friends and some extended family members, he proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War as a radar operator aboard the USS Craig.
After completing his military service, Bernal attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in geology. It was there that he met Shirley, and they married in 1957. Together they welcomed three children: Don (Donald) Powers, Diane Powers Sjong, and David Powers.
Although trained as a geologist, Bernal built his career as a cartographer in government service. He spent his career with the Defense Mapping Agency, the predecessor of today’s National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, retiring in 1990. During his career, he also served for a time with the Central Intelligence Agency. Despite a distinguished career, Bernal disliked drawing attention to his accomplishments. He preferred to describe himself simply as “a cartographer.”
Even though his marriage to Shirley ended, Bernal remained an important part of his children’s lives. Living in St. Louis while his children were growing up in Norman, Oklahoma, he faithfully used his holiday visitation and looked forward to the extended time they spent together each summer. During those summer visits, he introduced his children to historic sites, and the kinds of places that sparked questions and rewarded curiosity. Those trips became lasting memories and reflected the way he shared his love of learning. Bernal also helped provide each of his children with an education, reflecting his belief that learning opened doors and expanded one’s understanding of the world.
Like many families, his relationships with his children experienced seasons of both closeness and distance over the years. Through it all, the memories of discovery, learning, and adventure remained an enduring part of his legacy.
After his retirement, Bernal enjoyed following the stock market as a bear trader, often sharing his market analysis on Facebook. It was another expression of the analytical mind and curiosity that defined his life.
Bernal is survived by his children, Don (Donald) Powers, Diane Powers Sjong, and David Powers; his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his good friend and nephew, George Willard.
Bernal Powers will be remembered as an inquisitive scientist, a proud Navy veteran, a skilled cartographer, and an imperfect man of quiet humility. Throughout his career, he helped others understand the world through maps. In his own way, he encouraged his children to explore that world through travel, history, and the pursuit of knowledge. His legacy lives on in the curiosity he inspired and the lives he helped shape.
Graveside service with military honors on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Holtshire Cemetery, corner of Holtshire and Chestnut Hill Roads, Orange.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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