His ticket matched five numbers in the Colorado Powerball -- 03, 21, 23, 31 and 59 -- on Jan. 11, but the southern Colorado man of Pueblo didn't realize it until he gave the ticket sitting in his pocket a second look more than a week later.
The winnings came at a time of financial struggle for his family with medical and college expenses.
"His family underwent three major surgeries last year and with a child in college, finances have been stretched for Paul," the release said. "But not anymore! Paul says he'll continue to work, traveling for work five days a week, until retirement."
Still, Paul said he may choose a sunny beach to call home.
He is not the only one to benefit from the proceeds.
The supermarket where his ticket was purchased will receive a $3,000 bonus, according to the release. Also, 25 cents from every dollar spent goes to the Lottery's proceeds partners to fund parks and open spaces.
The Colorado Lottery is dedicated to funding the state's park and open spaces, having given more than $3.4 billion back to parks, trails, open spaces and recreation projects since 1985.
