Paying off his mortgage, making travel plans, and relaxing in retirement -- these are what the future hold for Howard J. Downing of Belfair.
Downing, who retired after 20 years of naval service in 1994, is the Washington Lottery's newest Mega Millions second-prize winner of $175,000. He received payment Monday of $131,250 after 25-percent federal tax withholding.
Downing found out he was a big Lottery winner Saturday as he checked tickets at Randy's Short Stop in Belfair and purchased his tickets for Tuesday's $150 million Mega Millions Jackpot drawing.
"I still can't believe this is real. I had to drive very carefully back home because I was so excited," said Downing as he redeemed his winning ticket with his wife, Juanita.
"I don't have any bills except for the house payment. I always said, 'If I get enough to pay off my house, I would be set.' Now, I am," said Downing, who has never had his own credit card and who recently refinanced his mortgage.
Raised on a Kansas dairy farm, Downing fell in love with the green hues of Olympic Peninsula hills when he was first stationed in Washington in 1974. Later assignments took him around the globe -- from South Carolina to Alaska to the Philippines and beyond -- but he returned to Belfair. Downing said he would spend his retirement traveling with Juanita and their three dogs in a recreational vehicle, visiting friends, and woodworking -- a lifelong hobby.
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