$1 million lottery prize goes to retirees from Collinsville and Oologah
BY BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Thursday, December 06, 2012
12/06/12 at 7:43 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY - Three retired men who purchased a winning $1 million ticket in the recent record Powerball jackpot claimed their prize on Wednesday.
The winners are longtime friends Lester Belt Jr., 71, of Oologah, Johnny Hall, 71, of Collinsville, and William Webb, 81, of Collinsville.
The coffee-drinking buddies each will receive $236,667 after federal and state taxes, according to the Oklahoma Lottery Commission.
The trio and others routinely meet at Hall's house for coffee, Belt said.
"He cooks breakfast for all these old guys," Belt said.
At a recent meeting, Hall told Belt that he and Webb were putting in $100 each for a chance at the record Powerball drawing Nov. 29.
"I said, 'Here. I will give you $100. Cut me in,' " Belt said.
The three purchased 150 plays for the drawing. Powerball tickets are $2 each.
Others chose not to participate, with one telling Belt that he was wasting his money.
"They have all laughed about it," said Belt, who is retired from the clothing business.
Belt and Hall went out of town and returned to find the town abuzz with news of a winning ticket for $1 million. The winning ticket was purchased at 4-way Stop at 1502 W. Main St. in Collinsville.
Following a morning of coffee drinking Tuesday at Hall's house, Hall went to a retailer to check the tickets and found that the trio had successfully matched all five numbers on one ticket to win the $1 million.
"He (Hall) called and said we won $1 million," Belt said. "I didn't know anything about a million dollars. I have never been involved in buying the tickets."
Hall said he always checks his tickets with a retailer to be safe.
Belt said he wasn't aware it was possible that he, Hall and Webb could have won $1 million. He knew they didn't win the record jackpot of $587.5 million but didn't realize it was possible they won a lesser amount.
Belt said his new-found windfall will likely be invested to benefit his granddaughter.
The prize is the 21st prize of $1 million or more paid by the Oklahoma Lottery Commission.
Original Print Headline: Retirees claim $1 million lottery prize
Barbara Hoberock 405-528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Johnny Hall (left), Lester Belt Jr. and William Webb win $1 million in lottery. Courtesy
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