Local Sonic franchisee found dead

Courtesy Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home

Brent L. Johnson

A local Sonic Drive-In franchisee was found dead last week in the Lake of the Ozarks area after he was reported missing.

The body of Brent L. Johnson, 58, was found July 24 by a volunteer search team near Old Kinderhook golf course in Camdenton, according to a news release from the Camden County Sheriff's Office. Johnson had been reported missing on July 22 after leaving his hotel, and his body was reportedly found in a wooded area near the golf course.

"At this time, detectives do not suspect any foul play in Mr. Johnson’s death," officials with the Camden County Sheriff's Office said in the release.

Johnson operated around a dozen Sonic stores in Missouri through Excel Investments, also known as Excel SDI Group, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. His company moved to 3000 E. Cherry St. in Springfield from Bolivar in recent years.

A phone number on Excel SDI Group's website is inactive, and company officials could not be reached for comment by deadline via email.

Johnson's obituary posted to the website of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home indicates the businessperson started as a Sonic general manager before becoming a franchisee with 36 locations in four states.

"His entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore several other business ventures throughout his life," his obituary reads. "Over the years, he provided countless people with opportunities to participate in various business endeavors, offering them financial and personal achievement benefits. Brent believed that those who worked hard and remained loyal deserved a share of the success.

"A man of his word, Brent was a constant coach and inspiration, showing others how to overcome challenges and exceed their own expectations."