Missouri – A Kansas City couple undoubtedly had their best Christmas ever after finding out they won the $71.5 million Powerball jackpot, the sixth-largest Lottery prize ever sold in Missouri. Kevin Carlson, 49, and his wife claimed the prize at the Lottery's Jefferson City headquarters on Dec. 26. Carlson also celebrated his birthday on Dec. 27, one day after discovering the win.
Carlson, a mechanic, said he bought Missouri Lottery tickets often when he made his usual stop at Autobahn BP, 7538 N.W. Prairie View Road in Platte Woods.
"Every morning that I work, I stop to get a coffee and a little something to eat," said Carlson.
On Dec. 26, he stopped by the convenience store and discovered he held the only winning ticket from the Christmas Day Powerball drawing, which was worth $71.5 million.
"The first time I scanned it, I didn't believe it, so I scanned it again," he said. "I kind of went nuts."
Carlson said he already quit his job as a mechanic, but his wife plans to continue working.
"Now that I don't work, I plan to use my time to figure out what to do with the money," he added.
In addition to paying bills and helping their two grown children financially, the couple also plans to take a trip for their upcoming 30th wedding anniversary. Carlson said he also would like to get the car he has always wanted: a '68 Camaro.
Along with the Carlsons' prize, Autobahn BP will receive a bonus of $50,000 for selling the winning jackpot ticket.