The co-founder of a restaurant chain beloved throughout Central Texas has passed away after a long fight with cancer.

John Carroll with our partners at News 10 reports that Charlene Bush, 63, passed away on Monday. Bush and her husband, Keith, opened the first Bush's Chicken location in Hewitt back in 1996. The couple began franchising Bush's Chicken in 2005, and there are now 85 Bush's locations in the Lone Star State.

Bush supported many charities in the Central Texas area, most notably Fuzzy Friends Rescue - a no-kill pet shelter in Waco. The Bush's also donated thousands of meals to the troops of Fort Hood and to their families as well.

It's not uncommon to see Bush's chicken served at a number of events and parties in Central Texas. Chowing down on Bush's tenders at Temple and Belton football games has always been a delight for me and my co-workers. It's a testament to just how great the food is and what a fantastic job Charlene and Keith have done with quality control across the franchise.

Bush's funeral arrangements are still being worked out. Please join us in keeping her and entire Bush's Chicken family in your prayers.

You can read Charlene Bush's obituary on the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home website.

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