Retired Illinois couple share $656M lottery jackpot

Apr 18, 2012, 11:57 am (78 comments)

Mega Millions

By Todd Northrop

Updated 6:24 pm:  Prize payout information

A retired computer systems designer and his wife, a computer programmer, have claimed the final share of the March 30 $656 million Mega Millions lottery drawing.

Merle, 65, and Pat Butler, 62, claimed the jackpot at the Red Bud Village Hall in the small southern Illinois town of Red Bud.  The winning ticket was sold at a nearby Motomart in the town of 6,000 people.

Their share of the record-setting $656 million jackpot was $218.6 million, before taxes.

The lucky couple from Red Bud decided to receive their payout as a lump-sum cash payment, which came to $158 million before taxes of 25% federal and 5% state were withheld.  Their net payout after tax withholding was approximately $110.6 million.

The Butlers' prize represents one-third of the record Mega Millions jackpot drawn on March 30.  The winners of two other tickets — one in Maryland and one in Kansas — have already been paid, but the winners preferred to remain anonymous.

Lottery rules in Illinois, however, require the winner to be named — and to appear at a one-time news conference — to assure other players that prizes are indeed paid out.

Butler describes managing the money as a full-time job right now, and laughs: "I'm not looking for sympathy," adding, "There could possibly be a vacation."

When one reporter asked Merle if they were going to move from Red Bud, he looked puzzled and said, "We really enjoy living here. We've lived here a long time."

Scores of local residents were on hand at City Hall for the ceremonies, the Chicago Tribune reports, and sent up a loud cheer outside when the winner was announced.

The couple bought a $3 quick-pick ticket at the MotoMart convenience store in Red Bud, which is about 40 miles southeast of St. Louis.

"We've been thinking of ways we can invest it," Butler says.

Butler says the couple has a "real good set of financial advisors," and waited three weeks to step forward in order to get their plans in order first.

The winners spent a sleepless night checking how many other winning tickets they'd be sharing the prize with.  "We spent the rest of the night going down to our computer to check the news and see how many winners there were," he says.

Merel Butler, a retiree, says he was watching TV when he heard the result of the drawing. He checked each number, then told his wife, Pat, "We won."

"She kind of looked at me funny, and I said, 'no we won,' and she started giggling," he says. "She giggled for abour 4 hours, I think" he says.

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News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

dk1421's avatardk1421

Congrats to them!!!

Sounds like they have their stuff in order. I feel badly they couldn't choose to be anonymous. Yet, I wish they could have said something along those lines at the press conference.

I hope they don't become the poster-children for why all states should allow anonymity! I always worry about what has to happen for all states to wake up to the dangers of not allowing people to claim large jackpots anonymously. It should be an option - especially for large jackpots!

petergrfn

These sound like a couple of real nice people.  Hopefully they don't get too many townspeople and relatives begging for money.  They seem like down to earth people.....

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Congrats to the winners!

Hurray for the "old"!

Party

VenomV12

That's cute, they really think they are going to be able to stay in that little town and everything is just going to go on being the same. We all know better. They will have moved out within two to six months.

manali

Congrats to the winners. Unhappy Good thing that an old couple not some young 20 yr won it.

LottoGuyBC's avatarLottoGuyBC

Quick Pick again Thud

Cletu$2's avatarCletu$2

Congratulations to Merle and Pat!Enjoy your millions.

sendmedamoney

Old????????

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

"After taxes on a lump-sum payment of $218.6 million, the Butlers will take home $158 million"

 

Actually the lump-sum cash payment is $158 million and the take home after 25% federal and 5% state taxes are witheld is just a tad over $110 million.

This couple may have enjoyed living in this small town but all that will soon change Unhappy

Littleoldlady's avatarLittleoldlady

Quote: Originally posted by sendmedamoney on Apr 18, 2012

Old????????

They're not old, they are experienced!  With modern medicine doing it's thing, they can live to be at least 100.

rad242

Quote: Originally posted by Littleoldlady on Apr 18, 2012

They're not old, they are experienced!  With modern medicine doing it's thing, they can live to be at least 100.

I agree 100%

 

Look at how long Royalty thrives!

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Congrats to Mr & Mrs. Butler.....Hurray!

mcginnin56

 By today's standards, this is a young couple. Why should they let all the gloom and doom naysayers influence their staying in Red Bud?

They should park their ass's right where they are now. This will piss off all the pro anonymous people. They'll get over it!  LOL

golfer1960's avatargolfer1960

Good for them but sad for me. Come on Powerball!

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by golfer1960 on Apr 18, 2012

Good for them but sad for me. Come on Powerball!

Nice poodle golfer1960! Maybe 2nite will be your night.   What?  Roll Eyes   Yes Nod

Cletu$2's avatarCletu$2

Quote: Originally posted by Littleoldlady on Apr 18, 2012

They're not old, they are experienced!  With modern medicine doing it's thing, they can live to be at least 100.

Why would ANYONE want to live to be 100?

brees2012's avatarbrees2012

      Lottery officials , Media ,  and whoever else were there at the conference.  Outside were all

     the citizens standing outside waiting on the winners. 

     The local newspaper had everything ready on there part , to make sure they've the name and pictures

    of the winners.  These poor winners will be swamped with people around them .

   There's NO Privacy in that town or anywhere in the world . 

     The city officals  freshen up there landscaping , put in new bushes , to make the city look better .

      Since they were going to be on National News .

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by brees2012 on Apr 18, 2012

      Lottery officials , Media ,  and whoever else were there at the conference.  Outside were all

     the citizens standing outside waiting on the winners. 

     The local newspaper had everything ready on there part , to make sure they've the name and pictures

    of the winners.  These poor winners will be swamped with people around them .

   There's NO Privacy in that town or anywhere in the world . 

     The city officals  freshen up there landscaping , put in new bushes , to make the city look better .

      Since they were going to be on National News .

Freshen up the landscaping, new bushes.......Wow big spenders!  Eek

brees2012's avatarbrees2012

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Apr 18, 2012

Freshen up the landscaping, new bushes.......Wow big spenders!  Eek

     They could of done more .......who knows ..........I just say , congrat to the winners ........

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Quote: Originally posted by Cletu$2 on Apr 18, 2012

Why would ANYONE want to live to be 100?

If you are capable of enjoying life at that age then why not? I have seen people who are in their 70's and were struggling physically/mentally just to live a normal life.

Science and medicine will keep advancing and who knows what we will encounter in the future. Our life expectancy will most likely jump up another 10 years within our generation.

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

Quote: Originally posted by Jill34786 on Apr 18, 2012

If you are capable of enjoying life at that age then why not? I have seen people who are in their 70's and were struggling physically/mentally just to live a normal life.

Science and medicine will keep advancing and who knows what we will encounter in the future. Our life expectancy will most likely jump up another 10 years within our generation.

Kudos to the 2 "middle agers"..........Hope they have great experiences for the rest of their lives.....Course, if he bites the bullet I am on her like white on rice !!!!Banana........yeah, I know......Gonna get punished for that one....it was just too tempting

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Now it all becomes clear.

In my official capacity as an Oracle, I occasionally consult the Ancient Ones to see who won a jackpot here and there to avoid the drudgery of going into a deep trance. Deep trances and channeling can drain you both physically and emotionally so I took the easy route for this record jackpot and called on the Ancients.

Though I still need to descend into a light trance to consult with the Ancients, it's not as incapacitating as a full trance with the rigors associated with channeling dead people.

So it now becomes clear what the Master Ancient kept telling me: "The Butler did it."

I initially said "No man, seriously, who won the jackpot?"

Again he said "The Butler did it."

I said "C'mon Dude, stop jerkin' me around man, who won the friggin' jackpot?"

He said "Hey man, you don't talk to me like that, dude!"

I said "Look Dude, don't make me get crazy up in here, man!"

He said "You are never again welcome in The Hall of the Mountain Kings, Be Gone!"

I said "STFU old man, you don't tell me what to do, mf'er!"

Then he swung one leg back real far and swung it as hard as he could and kicked me right where I hate being kicked the most.

And then I woke up from my trance in incredible pain in the area I hate having incredible pain the most.

And now I sit here with my ice pack and find out who won the jackpot.

The Butler did it.

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

Is an Oracle the one who samples the newest batch from the still ????   Cause that story even makes Billy Graham want to knock down a few !!!

brees2012's avatarbrees2012

Quote: Originally posted by golfer1960 on Apr 18, 2012

Good for them but sad for me. Come on Powerball!

      I have my QP Powerball Ticket ..........I'm ready to win and I'm 1/2 packed .

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

I am glad that they didn't buy $10,000 worth of tickets like that football player and they still won.

I am glad that they bought quick pics and still won.

I am glad thay they didn't play in a lotto group and still won.

One ticket is all you need. Thats the minimum requirement folks. Sswwweeeet!

imagine's avatarimagine

$3.00

Quite a return on the investment.

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Apr 18, 2012

I am glad that they didn't buy $10,000 worth of tickets like that football player and they still won.

I am glad that they bought quick pics and still won.

I am glad thay they didn't play in a lotto group and still won.

One ticket is all you need. Thats the minimum requirement folks. Sswwweeeet!

I Agree!

Kumo's avatarKumo

Congrats to the Butlers!

Watched the taped version of the press conference, noticed that they are keeping their plans for the future ambiguous, a very smart move!

Party

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Apr 18, 2012

 By today's standards, this is a young couple. Why should they let all the gloom and doom naysayers influence their staying in Red Bud?

They should park their ass's right where they are now. This will piss off all the pro anonymous people. They'll get over it!  LOL

I am not sure why it would "piss me off" for them to enjoy their small town.

Them getting all of the crybaby mail from the Greed of Envy Crowd that "have the right", will PISS ME OFF!

And yes, screw you, they have their's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Bash

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Apr 18, 2012

I am glad that they didn't buy $10,000 worth of tickets like that football player and they still won.

I am glad that they bought quick pics and still won.

I am glad thay they didn't play in a lotto group and still won.

One ticket is all you need. Thats the minimum requirement folks. Sswwweeeet!

I Agree!     Thumbs Up     Patriot

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Quote: Originally posted by Jill34786 on Apr 18, 2012

"After taxes on a lump-sum payment of $218.6 million, the Butlers will take home $158 million"

 

Actually the lump-sum cash payment is $158 million and the take home after 25% federal and 5% state taxes are witheld is just a tad over $110 million.

This couple may have enjoyed living in this small town but all that will soon change Unhappy

Thanks, Jill34786, I realized that Todd must have written the article too quickly, and that is why he referred to the "annuity" amount as the "lump sum" amount ... then all the math went down hill from there!

No No

I wonder if the winner's accountant [experienced accountants, here is your chance to chime in your research results] is going to be a helpful hire by recommending that this winner pay some additional Income Tax % to the Federal IRS this year, before April 2013; so that no penalty % will be charged for waiting to pay 'remainder due' until the following year of winner's $$s receival?

Congratulations to this winner, hope he treats his wife to a lot of the winnings $$$s, so that she can retire  within a few months!

Cheers

tntea's avatartntea

Fantastic Story..  I am very happy for them..Hurray!

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Apr 18, 2012

I am glad that they didn't buy $10,000 worth of tickets like that football player and they still won.

I am glad that they bought quick pics and still won.

I am glad thay they didn't play in a lotto group and still won.

One ticket is all you need. Thats the minimum requirement folks. Sswwweeeet!

LOL, that famous football player was probably joking so he could get easy, free, professional media  publicity! Wink

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by HaveABall on Apr 18, 2012

Thanks, Jill34786, I realized that Todd must have written the article too quickly, and that is why he referred to the "annuity" amount as the "lump sum" amount ... then all the math went down hill from there!

No No

I wonder if the winner's accountant [experienced accountants, here is your chance to chime in your research results] is going to be a helpful hire by recommending that this winner pay some additional Income Tax % to the Federal IRS this year, before April 2013; so that no penalty % will be charged for waiting to pay 'remainder due' until the following year of winner's $$s receival?

Congratulations to this winner, hope he treats his wife to a lot of the winnings $$$s, so that she can retire  within a few months!

Cheers

When I win, I will find out how much in charitable contributions I have make to be able to tell the current Marxist-Socialist Regime in DC to go pound salt!

Smash  caution, Barry Sorrento at "work"

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

I have noticed that NO previous jackpot winner, from both Mega Millions and Powerball, has won via a row of #s that had the 'added insurance' thru "megaplier" or "powerplay" option!

Perhaps only MM and PB players with the "I'm only playing for the jackpot win" mentality are the people that can win the jackpot?Eek

OldSchoolPa's avatarOldSchoolPa

Quote: Originally posted by petergrfn on Apr 18, 2012

These sound like a couple of real nice people.  Hopefully they don't get too many townspeople and relatives begging for money.  They seem like down to earth people.....

"And in a related news report, the small town of Red Bud has experienced a population boom over the past two weeks as long lost relatives and supposed friends have come from near and far to knock at the door of the town's wealthiest and luckiest couple.

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Congrats!! Party

Great story,always the old people that win, Green laugh

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Quote: Originally posted by dpoly1 on Apr 18, 2012

When I win, I will find out how much in charitable contributions I have make to be able to tell the current Marxist-Socialist Regime in DC to go pound salt!

Smash  caution, Barry Sorrento at "work"

Thanks, dpoly1, this is one way to solve!  Star

Now, accountants who are into 'Federal IRS code research,' what are a couple more ways to prevent additional Federal Income Tax % tied to winner's new "Marginal Income Tax Bracket" being charged?

MississippiMudd

Quote: Originally posted by HaveABall on Apr 18, 2012

Thanks, Jill34786, I realized that Todd must have written the article too quickly, and that is why he referred to the "annuity" amount as the "lump sum" amount ... then all the math went down hill from there!

No No

I wonder if the winner's accountant [experienced accountants, here is your chance to chime in your research results] is going to be a helpful hire by recommending that this winner pay some additional Income Tax % to the Federal IRS this year, before April 2013; so that no penalty % will be charged for waiting to pay 'remainder due' until the following year of winner's $$s receival?

Congratulations to this winner, hope he treats his wife to a lot of the winnings $$$s, so that she can retire  within a few months!

Cheers

I had knowledge of how the estimated tax penalty worked a few years back.  It could have changed, but then, there was a "safe haven" that if you had more withheld than 120% (I believe that is the right number) of your tax liability from the prior year withheld in the current year, there would be no penalty.  Because the Butlers will have millions withheld, they would meet the safe haven.  They would still owe the extra taxes next April, but no penalty would apply.

Todd's avatarTodd

Quote: Originally posted by HaveABall on Apr 18, 2012

Thanks, Jill34786, I realized that Todd must have written the article too quickly, and that is why he referred to the "annuity" amount as the "lump sum" amount ... then all the math went down hill from there!

No No

I wonder if the winner's accountant [experienced accountants, here is your chance to chime in your research results] is going to be a helpful hire by recommending that this winner pay some additional Income Tax % to the Federal IRS this year, before April 2013; so that no penalty % will be charged for waiting to pay 'remainder due' until the following year of winner's $$s receival?

Congratulations to this winner, hope he treats his wife to a lot of the winnings $$$s, so that she can retire  within a few months!

Cheers

Right you are, I was working too quickly.  I have updated the story with more accurate prize payout info.

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Quote: Originally posted by Todd on Apr 18, 2012

Right you are, I was working too quickly.  I have updated the story with more accurate prize payout info.

Thanks for the update Todd...Thumbs Up

Artist77's avatarArtist77

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Apr 18, 2012

 By today's standards, this is a young couple. Why should they let all the gloom and doom naysayers influence their staying in Red Bud?

They should park their ass's right where they are now. This will piss off all the pro anonymous people. They'll get over it!  LOL

I agree! People may know who they are regardless of where they move.  So they will get things in order.  Sometimes small towns can be protective of their residents.  There will be deadbeats asking for money wherever they are.  Might as well stay where they are happy.  I am sure they can afford some security.

hsvscubaski

Is it an invasion of privacy to make them be named? Didn't realize the requirement to participate in news conference. Can you say F Bomb city.

THRIFTY's avatarTHRIFTY

$3 MEGA MILLIONS QUICK PICK TICKET TURNED INTO $218.6 MILLIONS BEFORE TAXES.

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by THRIFTY on Apr 18, 2012

$3 MEGA MILLIONS QUICK PICK TICKET TURNED INTO $218.6 MILLIONS BEFORE TAXES.

Much easier SAID, than done.  Eek

LottoNick56's avatarLottoNick56

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Apr 18, 2012

Much easier SAID, than done.  Eek

I'd say it's pretty EASY to do...  once you purchase that winning ticket, all you need to do is sit there and watch the numbers.  Just not many are capable of accomplishing it.  No actual hard work necessary!  See Ya!

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by LottoNick56 on Apr 18, 2012

I'd say it's pretty EASY to do...  once you purchase that winning ticket, all you need to do is sit there and watch the numbers.  Just not many are capable of accomplishing it.  No actual hard work necessary!  See Ya!

I stand corrected LottoNick56. Since you put it that way.....what's the big deal?  LOL    I'll start winning this evening with Powerball, Mega Millions+,

and Hot Lotto!  (Already got my number in).   Banana

steph219121's avatarsteph219121

Happy for them. Jealous but happy! Cangrats!

Simba774

Quote: Originally posted by Littleoldlady on Apr 18, 2012

They're not old, they are experienced!  With modern medicine doing it's thing, they can live to be at least 100.

They are old, but in 2012 "old" doesn't mean life is over anymore. Funny, I joked about it being some old people before these folks claimed their share.

Piaceri

Congrats to the lucky couple. Dance

Retiring at 62 is not easy these days (unless you are union), so I'd say these folks have planned well in the past. And I agree that the small town will close ranks where these folks are concerned. Everyone knows everyone's business in a small town, but they are the quickest to be closed mouthed to folks who aren't one of them.

Seattlejohn

Congrats to them!  Too bad they live in a state that REQUIRES a press conference (the #1 thing winners should avoid like the plague).

golfer1960's avatargolfer1960

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Apr 18, 2012

Nice poodle golfer1960! Maybe 2nite will be your night.   What?  Roll Eyes   Yes Nod

Thanks mcginnin but I only had the Powerball ($4.00). Mad

I hope you faired better.

Luffy's avatarLuffy

If I was them, I would invest in technologies that can extend life by ten or more years.

One thing that irriates me about winners are the ones like 70+ years old.

I see all these older winners winning big jackpots and I think to myself is that how I am going to look if I keep playing the lottery?

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

The article reads:  "Butler describes managing the money as a full-time job right now, and laughs: "I'm not looking for sympathy," adding, "There could possibly be a vacation.""

Yes, I think there WILL be a vacation this year, and I think it could even be a "first class, all-the-way-around vacation for this couple and a few of their favorite people!"

Party

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Quote: Originally posted by MississippiMudd on Apr 18, 2012

I had knowledge of how the estimated tax penalty worked a few years back.  It could have changed, but then, there was a "safe haven" that if you had more withheld than 120% (I believe that is the right number) of your tax liability from the prior year withheld in the current year, there would be no penalty.  Because the Butlers will have millions withheld, they would meet the safe haven.  They would still owe the extra taxes next April, but no penalty would apply.

Kudos, MississippiMudd, I'll do some investigating on the Federal IRS website, searching under this 120% or so, to see if I find any recent modifications.

Hiding Behind Computer

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by HaveABall on Apr 18, 2012

LOL, that famous football player was probably joking so he could get easy, free, professional media  publicity! Wink

Actually it was basketball's Wizards Rookie Chris Singleton who dropped $10,000 on MM QP's. Wink

Halle99's avatarHalle99

PartyCongrats Mr. and Mrs. Butler. 

savagegoose's avatarsavagegoose

if it was easy money, we'd all be doing it.

NightStalker's avatarNightStalker

Congrats to the Butler's!!  I'm sure they will continue to live in Red Bud, but they will probably have a couple other "vacation" homes to escape to for some peace and quiet.  I'd head out on at least a month long vacation to avoid some attention for a while.

I know a nice little place in central Ohio you can stay if you want to just be anonymous for a few weeks.  Big Grin  Just throwing it out there in case they read this thread.

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