Powerball winner Donald Larson of Lapeer with his mother (Credit: MyFox Detroit)
LANSING, Mich. (MyFox Detroit) -- 44-year-old Donald Larson of Lapeer spent his first few dollars on a pack of bubble gum, but he has a lot more money to chew on. The rest of his life's paychecks will be coming from a whopping $337 million check. That's before taxes.
"I wanted to travel a lot. Now I can. I can go anywhere in the world I want, so that's what I'm going to do."
The lifelong lottery player landed the third largest jackpot in Powerball history. The father of two is now a retired railroad worker.
Lawson isn't originally from Lapeer. He's a native of Arkansas. He said he will not stay in Lapeer, but he didn't specify where he plans to go.
In the meantime, his mother said she doesn't think this money will change him at all.
"He's always been like you see him today. He's a jokester. It's not going to change," she said.
"I'm a millionaire now, but... I don't like fillet mignon or lobster. You know, a simple life, that's what I want to continue to do," Larson said.
6, 27, 46, 51, 56 and Powerball 21 are the numbers that led Lawson to $337 million. He said thanks to the divine digits that someone helped him pick.
"Something from above, I do have to credit that, told me to go over there and pick my own numbers, which I didn't really pick them, my hand just went."
Even though Lawson isn't staying in Lapeer, the people there are pretty excited about their hometown hero, of sorts, winning, especially the Sunoco station where he bought the ticket. They're now getting a check for $50,000.
Click on the second video in the player above to watch the press conference.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc 5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 Main Number: (202) 244-5151 Newsroom: (202) 895-3000 fox5tips@wttg.com