Submitted photo Cindy Knepp, right, and her daughter Laura Holland at a Blake Shelton concert. During her retirement, Knepp plans to attend more of Shelton's concerts and restaurants around the U.S.

The Warren Taxi Co. will change hands for the first time since its founding in 1971 on Sept. 1.

The late Homer “Sonny” Phillips founded the business.

When he married Cindy Knepp on Aug.10, 1977, he taught her how to drive, and she also became an employee for the taxi company.

Knepp recalled her late husband teaching her how to drive. “I feared the semis on the same road, and he wanted me to be comfortable and safe before driving alone,” she said.

She also had to learn how to check the oil and other fluids in the car and change a tire. “Sonny pulled the car over by the Betts overpass and told me to change the tire,” said Knepp.

The couple continued the business, and before Phillips passed away in 2006, he had told their daughter, “Do not let your mother keep the cab company; she doesn’t need the stress.”

“It is stressful; I expanded the hours we were in service and it is hard to find good drivers,” said Knepp.

She said, “I enjoyed serving Warren, though; I have met a lot of really good people.”

Last year, Knepp broke her ankle in three places and was not able to bear weight for eight months. “I feel like Sonny was telling me I needed to stop,” she said.

Knepp will spend her retirement visiting locations where her favorite music artist, Blake Shelton, has restaurants throughout the United States, including returning to Tishomingo, Okla.

The location holds a dear place in Knepp’s heart. It is where she met Shelton’s mother, Dorothy, and has since formed a long-lasting friendship with her.

She plans to stay with friends in Utah and an aunt in California on her travels.

Knepp is leaving the taxi service in good hands. Beverly Patterson, owner of the Corry Cab company, will take over in September.

While ownership will change, it will remain the Warren Taxi Co., and they will keep the same phone number at (814) 723-2020.