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 across the United States.

On September 1, Warren Taxi Co. will change ownership for the first time since its founding in 1971.

The late Homer “Sonnie” Phillips founded the company.

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

Knepp remembered that her late husband had taught her to drive. “I was afraid of the semi-trailers on the same road and he wanted me to feel 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 stopped the car at the Betts Overpass and told me to change the tire,” said Knepp.

The couple continued the business, and before Phillips died in 2006, he told their daughter: “Don’t leave your mother in the taxi, she doesn’t need the stress.”

“It’s stressful. I’ve extended the hours we’ve been on duty and it’s hard to find good drivers,” said Knepp.

She said: “But I enjoyed serving Warren. I met a lot of really nice people.”

Knepp suffered three broken ankles last year and was unable to bear weight for eight months. “I feel like Sonny was telling me to stop,” she said.

Knepp will spend her retirement visiting places across the United States where her favorite musician, Blake Shelton, operates restaurants, including returning to Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

The place is particularly dear to Knepp’s heart. Here she met Shelton’s mother Dorothy, with whom she has been friends for many years.

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

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

Even though the ownership changes, it remains the Warren Taxi Co. and the phone number (814) 723-2020 remains the same.