Don Smasal, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a dedicated US Border Patrol Agent passed away at the age of 69. Born on September 23, 1955, Don Smasal served his country with honor and distinction.
Don Smasal is survived by his wife, Lourdes; his children, Brian Smasal (Denise Smasal), Leigh Ann Smasal Gutierrez (Frank Gutierrez), Donald Smasal (Jennifer Smasal), and Jessica Avila; his grandchildren, Audree Smasal, Brian Smasal, Aleighanna, and Arabella Gutierrez; and his great-grandchildren, Apollo and Athena Gonzales. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Anthony Smasal, and his father, Don Smasal. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
After the Marine Corps, Don Smasal entered on duty with the United States Border Patrol in August of 1985. Over the next 25 years, he made significant contributions to national security and community safety, retiring in December 2010. During his tenure, he held key positions: Border Patrol Agent assigned to Harlingen, Texas; Border Patrol Agent who successfully completed Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) training; Commander of the Special Response Team (SRT) in McAllen, Texas; Supervisory Border Patrol Agent assigned to Brownsville Border Patrol Station; Field Operations Supervisor assigned to Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC); Patrol Agent in Charge of the El Paso Sector Intelligence Unit; and Patrol Agent in Charge of the Fort Hancock Border Patrol Station.
He later returned to the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), serving as Deputy Commander, specializing in counterterrorism, high-risk tactical law enforcement situations, hostage rescue, operating in difficult-to-access terrain, reconnaissance, and tactical special operations. He was promoted to his final position of Assistant Chief Patrol Agent of the US Border Patrol Special Coordination Center, serving as the military liaison with JTF North.
During his tenure with the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), he was detailed multiple times to Panama and Bolivia, involving joint operations with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for drug interdiction operations.
In addition to his service, Don Smasal was the founder of The Smasal Family Ranch, “Rancho Pitufo,” a place that reflected his passion for the outdoors. He loved hunting and was a true survivalist, finding joy and peace in nature. He also had a tremendous love for animals, which was evident in the way he cared for them at Rancho Pitufo. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and his Service to country. Semper Fidelis.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00pm, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.
FUNERAL SERVICE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025
2:00 PM
PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH
2102 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST
Interment will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date.
