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Navy vet dies, leaving $263,000 at motel

SHELDON, Iowa — Authorities say a transient who stayed at a motel left behind $263,000 when he died — and few clues about how he got it.

The mystery began on March 31, when the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office was called to the Sheldon Motel to investigate the death of a man who lived there five months of the year. Sgt. Jamison Van Voorst called the case the most interesting he’s seen in his 14 years with the office.

As Van Voorst and Sheriff Dan Altena investigated the death of John Richard Grant, they discovered some papers, the back of a gold watch and other belongings. Then came the surprise: cash stuffed inside two vinyl cassette tape cases, most of it in $50 and $100 bills.

Van Voorst and Altena immediately began searching for Grant’s relatives. There is no reason to believe the 82-year-old Grant got the money illegally, so it should go to his next of kin, they said.

Van Voorst said the Sheriff’s Office is waiting to hear from Sioux County Attorney Coleman McAllister, who may have found a brother.

The brother is said to be working as a harbor master for the Navy in Japan. Grant, a Navy veteran, may also have a daughter.

He had documents showing he served in the Navy during World War II. Grant was buried April 17 at the Keokuk National Cemetery. An obituary prepared by the funeral home said he was born on Nov. 7, 1925, in Rochester, N.Y., to Harold and Cora Grant.

Beyond that, there isn’t much to go on.

Eatel Anil, the motel manager, said Grant spent the last two winters at the motel. He parked a white cargo van in the parking lot and kept his room tidy.

Anil said Grant paid $500 a month to stay at the motel. Authorities say he had also stayed in Kansas, Minnesota and Illinois.

“The guy kept to himself,” Van Voorst said. “Part of the roadblock is that he pretty much dealt in post office boxes. He had no criminal history.”

Grant’s possessions, including the cash, are being stored by the Sheriff’s Office until a family member comes forward.

“We’re getting some information, but it’s difficult,” Van Voorst said. “We really don’t know where to start.”