Warsaw Man Claims $250,000 Mega Millions Prize

When Donald and Susan Baresel relocated from Kansas City to Warsaw, they admit they were “starting over.” Donald had grown weary of his job in the city, and when property became available after a death in the family, the Baresels decided to give Warsaw a chance. Things were slowly improving for them – Donald recently got hired by Warsaw Parks and Recreation – and then things got really good. Donald hit $250,000 playing the Missouri Lottery.

“And then I saw on the screen, ‘$250,000,’” recalled Baresel, about the minute he found out. “I looked at her, she looked at me, and I said, ‘Does that really say what I think it says?’ Everybody at the store was slapping my hand and congratulating me.”

Baresel had purchased a Quick Pick ticket for the July 5 Mega Millions drawing at Newman’s Country Mart, 1000 E. Main St., in Warsaw. He didn’t realize he was the winner until more than a week later, when he checked his tickets on another stop. Baresel said he had checked the numbers against the Mega Ball, but he didn’t realize he had matched all five white-ball numbers. The winning Mega Millions numbers for July 5 were:  2, 23, 41, 47 and 54.

Baresel said he and Susan sometimes do lottery pools with each other and family numbers. They’ll each chip in $20 for Scratchers or Draw Games tickets and play on a Friday, leaving the winners to cash in the following week for another try.

“We’ve been saying that we’re overdue,” he declared. “We’ve been playing about three years.”

The windfall came at a good time. Baresel thinks an extra vehicle and a new boat may come out of it.

“Life’s finally turning around,” he said with a smile.
He said they’ll continue to play their lottery “game” and offered this advice for other players.

“Be patient and have fun,” said Baresel. “Don’t spend more than you can afford.”

Newman’s Country Store got a $1,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Mega Millions is a twice-weekly Draw Game with jackpots that start at $12 million and grow until someone wins. Drawings are held on Tuesday and Friday nights.

About the Missouri Lottery (MOLottery.com)
In 1984, more than 70 percent of Missouri voters approved a lottery. Currently, the Lottery is the sixth-largest source of state income, and more than 95 cents of every dollar spent on the Lottery benefits Missouri. Since sales started in 1986, the Missouri Lottery has generated more than $4.6 billion for the state and public education. Lottery players have won more than $10 billion in prizes, and retailers have earned more than $1 billion in commissions. Each year, the Lottery generates more than $288 million for vital education programs, including A+ scholarships. When you play the Missouri Lottery, you Play It Forward!