Meet the Staff
David Dixon
Pastor
David has served as the Pastor of First Baptist Church since September 2011. He is married to the love of his life, Leah Dixon, and has two children whom he absolutely adores. David has been in the ministry since the age of fourteen; serving in various capacities in and out of the church. David is a Ph.D. student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
His preaching style is straightforward and engaging while maintaining a strict adherence to the biblical text. His dedication to expository preaching allows David to systematically preach through entire books of the Bible, verse by verse. David teaches many classes at FBC including a Monday Morning Coffee Study in which he teaches on various topics in Scripture and practical Christian Theology.
David loves to read and spend time with his family. A self-confessed “nerd”, David enjoys many attributes of gaming and various electronic toys. However, he is no stranger to the outdoors. The Dixons love to camp and enjoy the wilderness of East Texas and Arkansas. Although you might talk to him about his golf score, don’t believe it until you see the score card!
More than anything, David is a down to earth REAL person; what you see is what you get. He loves to talk to people and would really enjoy getting to know you and your family!
Dale Ott
Associate Pastor for Worship
Dale received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a Health and PE major and a minor in Social Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1977. In 1980, he earned his Master of Religious Education from the BMA Theological Seminary in Jacksonville. He is an ordained minister and has served as an associate pastor, youth pastor and music minster in different churches in the past. He is also an ordained deacon and a retired educator. He taught school and coached for over 28 years. Twenty-two of those years were spent at Neches ISD. He has been married to Patricia “Trish” Farrow Ott since 1980, and they have three grown children who grew up at FBC.
Trish Ott
Secretary
Trish received her Bachelor of Elementary Education at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1978. She was employed as an elementary teacher by Neches ISD for 21 years. Before Neches, she worked in Cleveland ISD and Maydelle ISD for a total of 26 years. She retired from education in 2008, and began her employment at FBC in 2011. She has been a member of FBC Neches since 1988. Her husband, Dale is the Minister of Music at FBC. They have three grown children that grew up at FBC Neches. She really enjoys working part-time at the church, as it has allowed her to become more involved in the ministries of the church.
Sharon Batchelor
Secretary
Sharon grew up and lived in Palestine until getting married and moving to Neches in 1981. After working for the Palestine ISD Administration Office for 10 years, she began working as FBC church secretary in 1990. She and Jimmy were blessed to raise their three daughters, Casey, Lindsey and Kalyn in this close knit community. They have each experienced God’s amazing love and grace while worshiping and serving the Lord Jesus Christ at FBCN. Looking back over the last 30 years, they are so thankful to God for sending them a church home that truly feels like family -- because they are!
Leigh Blackmon
Childrens Leader
"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." Isaiah 54:13. This scripture verse has been key to Leigh and her husband Patrick of 20 years in raising their 3 wonderful children Cooper, Ethan, and Gabby in Neches. Leigh currently serves her Lord and Savior here at FBC Neches on the Praise/Worship team, Youth Committee, VBS, and has a heart for children and missions. She previously served with Awanas as a leader and director. Her goal is to bring the Gospel of Christ to the young people in the community and teach them to share God's Word with others, She has experience working with Special Needs children and cancer patients and enjoys crafts, reading and gardening.