‘He’s with God now': Newton pastor dies after battle with COVID-19

NEWTON, N.C. — Every life lost from the coronavirus has an impact on a community, but it is felt even stronger when the loss is that of a pastor.

Pastor Wade Danner died last weekend after a life overseeing churches in several area communities. Now, everyone in those communities are mourning his loss.

Catawba Co- church members are heartbroken over the loss of Pastor Wade Danner who died after contracting covid-19. Danner was well known in Newton and oversaw churches in Long View, Salisbury, Statesville, Lincolnton, Connelly Springs and Newton. The story today on channel 9 pic.twitter.com/Mz79jx62vg
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) October 13, 2020

Danner was known across the Foothills and Piedmont, overseeing churches in Burke, Catawba Lincoln and Iredell counties as a chief apostle in the Pentecostal House of Praise.

Church member Beverly McComb said she remembers how Danner helped with local outreach ministry.

“The way he would want to help people and he just gave it all he could give,” McComb said.

Danner’s family isn’t sure how he contracted COVID-19. They said he encouraged others to wear a mask and followed state guidelines when it came to holding services. His son said his father was eventually placed on a respirator.

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Family members said Danner was 67 years old and had underlying health conditions.

“He still was in the community. He still went to the hospitals. He still went to the nursing homes,” church member Janet Cuthbertson said. “And he said if it was his time, it was his time.”

Many in the community described Danner not only as a man of God, but also like a family member.

“I believe in Jesus and I know he’s got everything in His hand and He’ll take care of His people and I know Bishop Danner is taken care of,” McComb said. “He’s with God now.”