EXHIBIT 99
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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For Additional Information Contact:
David B. Barbour, President and Chief Executive Officer
Lisah Frazier, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
(606) 326-2800
Fax (606) 326-2801
www.classicbank.com




                CLASSIC BANCSHARES, INC. ANNOUNCES THE INTENT TO
                       INITIATE A STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

     ASHLAND, KENTUCKY, -- JUNE 6, 2002 -- Classic Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ -
CLAS) announced its intent to repurchase up to 100,000 shares of its outstanding
shares of common stock in the open market over a twelve-month period at
prevailing market prices from time to time depending on market conditions. The
Company has 1,120,586 shares outstanding and holds 201,914 shares as treasury
shares. David B. Barbour, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
indicated that the Board of Directors approved the repurchase program in view of
the current price level of the Company's common stock. Mr. Barbour stated, "We
believe that the repurchase of our shares represents an attractive investment
opportunity which will benefit the Company and our stockholders."

     Classic Bancshares, Inc. is headquartered in Ashland, Kentucky and has one
subsidiary, Classic Bank. Classic Bank operates at 344 Seventeenth Street,
Ashland, Kentucky with seven branch offices located in Boyd, Carter, Greenup and
Johnson counties.