CBES BANCORP INC
DEF 14A, 1997-09-29
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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                                               September 26, 1997


Dear Fellow Stockholder:

     On behalf of the Board of Directors and management of CBES
Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), I cordially invite you to attend
the first Annual Meeting of Stockholders.  The meeting will be
held at 4:00 p.m. on October 28, 1997 at the Company's main
office located at 1001 North Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs,
Missouri.

     In addition to the annual stockholder vote on corporate
business items, the meeting will include management's report to
you on the Company's fiscal 1997 financial and operating
performance.

     An important aspect of the meeting process is the
stockholder vote on corporate business items.  I urge you to
exercise your rights as a stockholder to vote and participate in
this process.  Stockholders are being asked to consider and vote
upon the proposals to ratify the adoption of the 1997 Stock
Option and Incentive Plan and the Recognition and Retention Plan. 
The Board has carefully considered both of these proposals and
believes that their approval will enhance the ability of the
Company to recruit and retain quality management.  Accordingly,
your Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote for
both of the proposals. 

     I encourage you to attend the meeting in person.  Whether or
not you attend the meeting, I hope that you will read the
enclosed Proxy Statement and then complete, sign and date the
enclosed proxy card and return it in the postage prepaid envelope
provided.  This will save the Company additional expense in
soliciting proxies and will ensure that your shares are
represented.  Please note that you may vote in person at the
meeting even if you have previously returned the proxy.

     Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

                              Sincerely,

                              /s/ Larry E. Hermreck
                              ------------------------------
                              Larry E. Hermreck
                              Chief Executive Officer 

<PAGE>

                       CBES BANCORP, INC.
                   1001 North Jesse James Road
               Excelsior Springs, Missouri  64024
                         (816) 630-6711

            NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                 To be Held on October 28, 1997


     Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders (the "Meeting") of CBES Bancorp, Inc. (the
"Company") will be held at the Company's main office located at
1001 North Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, Missouri at 4:00
p.m., local time, on October 28, 1997.

     A Proxy Card and a Proxy Statement for the Meeting are
enclosed.

     The Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting
upon:

     1.   The election of two directors of the Company;

     2.   The ratification of the adoption of the 1997 Stock
Option and Incentive Plan;

     3.   The ratification of the adoption of the Recognition and
Retention Plan; 

     4.   The ratification of the appointment of KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP as the auditors of the Company for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1998;

and such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting,
or any adjournments thereof.  The Board of Directors is not aware
of any other business to come before the Meeting.

     Any action may be taken on the foregoing proposals at the
Meeting on the date specified above, or on any date or dates to
which the Meeting may be adjourned.  Stockholders of record at
the close of business on September 12, 1997 are the stockholders
entitled to vote at the Meeting and any adjournments thereof.

     You are requested to complete and sign the enclosed form of
proxy, which is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors,
and to mail it promptly in the enclosed envelope.  The proxy will
not be used if you attend and vote at the Meeting in person.

               BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


               /s/ Larry E. Hermreck
               ------------------------------
               Larry E. Hermreck
               Chief Executive Officer

Excelsior Springs, Missouri
September 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT:  THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL SAVE THE COMPANY
THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES TO ENSURE A QUORUM AT
THE MEETING.  A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR
CONVENIENCE.  NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED WITHIN THE UNITED
STATES.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

                         PROXY STATEMENT

                       CBES Bancorp, Inc.
                   1001 North Jesse James Road
               Excelsior Springs, Missouri  64024
                         (816) 630-6711

                 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                   To Be Held October 28, 1997


     This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the
solicitation on behalf of the Board of Directors of CBES Bancorp,
Inc. (the "Company"), the parent company of Community Bank of
Excelsior Springs, a Savings Bank (the "Bank"), of proxies to be
used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the
"Meeting") which will be held at the Company's main office
located at 1001 North Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs,
Missouri on October 28, 1997, at 4:00 p.m., local time, and all
adjournments of the Meeting.  The accompanying Notice of Annual
Meeting and this Proxy Statement are first being mailed to
stockholders on or about September 26, 1997.

     At the Meeting, stockholders of the Company are being asked
to consider and vote upon the election of two directors,
proposals to ratify the adoption of the 1997 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan ("Stock Option  Plan") and the Recognition and
Retention Plan ("RRP"), and the appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP as auditors for the Company.

Vote Required and Proxy Information

     All shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share (the "Common Stock"), represented at the Meeting by
properly executed proxies received prior to or at the Meeting,
and not revoked, will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with
the instructions thereon.  If no instructions are indicated,
properly executed proxies will be voted for the director nominees
and the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement.  The Company
does not know of any matters, other than as described in the
Notice of Annual Meeting, that are to come before the Meeting. 
If any other matters are properly presented at the Meeting for
action, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy and
acting thereunder will have the discretion to vote on such
matters in accordance with their best judgment.

     As to the election of Directors, the proxy card being
provided by the Board of Directors enables a stockholder to vote
FOR the election of the nominees proposed by the Board, or to
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for one or more of the nominees being
proposed. Under Delaware law and the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws, directors are elected by a plurality of
votes cast, without regard to either broker non-votes, or proxies
as to which authority to vote for one or more of the nominees
being proposed is withheld.

     As to the proposals to adopt the Stock Option Plan and the
RRP, the proxy card being provided by the Board of Directors
enables a stockholder to check the appropriate box on the proxy
card to (i) vote FOR, (ii) vote AGAINST, or (iii) vote to ABSTAIN
from voting on, such matter.  An affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, and
entitled to vote is required to constitute stockholder approval,
without regard to broker non-votes, or proxies marked ABSTAIN.

     As to the ratification of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as
independent auditors of the Company, by checking the appropriate
box, a stockholder may: (i) vote FOR the item; (ii) vote AGAINST
the item; or (iii) ABSTAIN from voting on such item. Under the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the
ratification of this matter shall be determined by a majority of
the votes cast, without regard to broker non-votes, or proxies
marked ABSTAIN.

     Any other matters that may be brought before the Annual
Meeting will be determined by majority of the votes cast, without
regard to broker non-votes, or any proxies as to which a
stockholder abstains.  One-third of the shares of the Common
Stock, present in person or represented by proxy, shall
constitute a quorum for purposes of the Meeting.  Abstentions and
broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining a
quorum.

<PAGE>

     A proxy given pursuant to the solicitation may be revoked at
any time before it is voted.  Proxies may be revoked by:  (i)
filing with the Secretary of the Company at or before the Meeting
a written notice of revocation bearing a later date than the
proxy, (ii) duly executing a subsequent proxy relating to the
same shares and delivering it to the Secretary of the Company at
or before the Meeting, or (iii) attending the Meeting and voting
in person (although attendance at the Meeting will not in and of
itself constitute revocation of a proxy).  Any written notice
revoking a proxy should be delivered to Larry E. Hermreck,
Secretary, CBES Bancorp, Inc., 1001 North Jesse James Road,
Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024.

Voting Securities and Certain Holders Thereof

     Stockholders of record as of the close of business on
September 12, 1997 will be entitled to one vote for each share of
Common Stock then held.  As of that date, the Company had
1,024,958 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.  The
following table sets forth information regarding share ownership
of those persons or entities known by management to beneficially
own more than five percent of the Common Stock and all directors
and executive officers of the Company and the Bank as a group.





<TABLE>

                                                        Shares
                                                      Beneficially    Percent
Beneficial Owner                                         Owned        of Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>
CBES Bancorp, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan(1)      81,996         8.00%
1001 North Jesse James Road
Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024

Jerome H. Davis                                          97,200         9.48%
Susan B. Davis
11 Baldwin Farms North
Greenwich, Connecticut 06831

Bay Pond Partners, L.P.                                  71,000         6.93%
Wellington Hedge Management Limited Partnership
Wellington Hedge Management, Inc.
75 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109

Directors and executive officers of the Company          84,139(2)      8.2%
 and the Bank, as a group (11 persons)
- ---------------------

</TABLE>

(1)  The amount reported represents shares held by the Employee
Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), 2,639 shares of which have been
allocated to accounts of participants.  First Bankers Trust of
Quincy, Illinois, the trustee of the ESOP, may be deemed to
beneficially own the shares held by the ESOP which have not been
allocated to accounts of participants.  Participants in the ESOP
are entitled to instruct the trustee as to the voting of shares
allocated to their accounts under the ESOP.  Unallocated shares
held in the ESOP's suspense account are voted by the trustee in
the same proportion as allocated shares voted by participants.

(2)  Amount includes shares held directly, as well as shares held
jointly with family members, shares held in retirement accounts,
shares held in a fiduciary capacity or by certain family members,
with respect to which shares the group members may be deemed to
have sole or shared voting and/or investment power.  The amount
above excludes options to purchase shares of Common Stock
conditionally granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan and
awards of shares of restricted Common Stock under the Company's
RRP to directors and executive officers of the Company.  The
adoption of the Stock Option Plan and RRP is subject to approval
of the stockholders at the Meeting.  See "Proposal II -
Ratification of the 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan" and
"Proposal III - Ratification of the Recognition and Retention
Plan."  Mr. Hermreck, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
is the beneficial owner of 20,230 shares, or 1.97%, of the shares
outstanding.

<PAGE>

               PROPOSAL I - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

     The Company's Board of Directors is presently composed of
six members, each of whom is also a director of the Bank.  The
Directors are divided into three classes.  Directors of the
Company are generally elected to serve for a three-year term
which is staggered to provide for the election of approximately
one-third of the directors each year.  

     The following table sets forth certain information regarding
the Company's Board of Directors, including their terms of office
and nominees for election as directors.  It is intended that the
proxies solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors (other than
proxies in which the vote is withheld as to the nominee) will be
voted at the Meeting for the election of the nominees identified
in the following table.  If any nominee is unable to serve, the
shares represented by all such proxies will be voted for the
election of such substitute as the Board of Directors may
recommend.  At this time, the Board of Directors knows of no
reason why the nominee might be unable to serve, if elected. 
Except as described herein, there are no arrangements or
understandings between any director or nominee and any other
person pursuant to which such director or nominee was selected.

<TABLE>


                                                                      Shares of Common
                      Age at                                  Term   Stock Beneficially   Percent
                     June 30,                     Director     to         Owned at           of
Name                   1997   Position(s) Held     Since(1)  Expire  September 12, 1997(2)  Class
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             NOMINEES
<S>                     <C>   <C>                    <C>      <C>           <C>            <C>
Edgar L. Radley         69    Vice Chairman of       1979     2000           7,000          .68%
                                the Board
Rodney G. Rounkles      59    Director               1984     2000           5,000          .48%

                                  DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
Robert E. McCrorey      56    Chairman of the Board  1973     1999          20,000         1.95%
                                and President
Richard N. Cox          51    Director               1992     1999          20,000         1.95%
Robert L. Lalumondier   57    Director               1992     1998           1,000          .09%
Cecil E. Lamb           68    Director               1985     1998           4,000          .39%
_______________________________
</TABLE>
(1) Includes service as a director of the Bank.

(2) Includes shares held directly, as well as shares held in retirement
    accounts, held by certain members of the named individuals' families,
    or held by trusts of which the named individual is a trustee or
    substantial beneficiary, with respect to which shares the named individuals
    may be deemed to have sole or shared voting and/or investment power.


     The business experience of each director and director
nominee is set forth below.  All directors have held their
present positions for at least the past five years, except as
otherwise indicated.

     Edgar L. Radley.  Mr. Radley is the retired owner and
operator of a Coast to Coast hardware store, which he operated
until 1990.

     Rodney G. Rounkles.  Mr. Rounkles was the plant manager of a
molding products plant in Excelsior Springs, Missouri until his
retirement in 1995.

     Robert E. McCrorey  Mr. McCrorey has served as a loan
originator for the Bank since 1993.  Prior to that time, he
served as a branch manager for a beer distributor.

<PAGE>

     Richard N. Cox  Mr. Cox is the owner and operator of Cox
Tool Co., Inc., a designer/builder of plastic molds, located in
Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

     Robert L. Lalumondier  Mr. Lalumondier is the owner of
Lalumondier Insurance Agency, located in Kearney, Missouri.

     Cecil E. Lamb.  Mr. Lamb is a retired postmaster.

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

     Executive officers of the Company and the Bank are elected
annually by the Board of Directors of the Company and the Bank,
respectively.  The business experience of the executive officers
of the Company and the Bank who are not also directors are set
forth below.

     Larry E. Hermreck.  Mr. Hermreck, age 57, has been with the
Bank for the past 24 years and has served as Chief Executive
Officer for 19 years.  In that capacity, he is responsible for
overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Bank.

     Deryl R. Goettling.  Mr. Goettling, age 48, is the Manager
of the Bank's Mortgage Loan Department and is responsible for the
supervision of all mortgage lending operations of the Bank.  Mr.
Goettling joined the Bank in 1986 and served in various
capacities prior to being promoted to his current position in
1992.

     Margaret E. Teegarden.  Ms. Teegarden, age 48, is the
Manager of the Bank's Savings Department, responsible for
managing the Bank's savings department.  Ms. Teegarden joined the
Bank in 1978.

     Dennis D. Hartman.  Mr. Hartman, age 43, is the Controller
and Manager of the Bank's Accounting Department.  He is
responsible for the supervision of the Accounting Department and
reporting to the regulatory authorities.  He is also responsible
for overseeing the Bank's asset/liability management program. 
Mr. Hartman joined the Bank in 1978.

     James V. Alderson.  Mr. Alderson, age 51, has served as the
Manager of the Consumer Loan Department since June 1994,
responsible for supervision of the Bank's consumer lending
operations.  Mr. Alderson has been with the Bank since 1990 and
served as a loan officer until June 1994.

Ownership Reports by Officers and Directors

     The Common Stock of the Company is registered pursuant to
Section 12(g) of the 1934 Act.  The officers and directors of the
Company and beneficial owners of greater than 10% of the
Company's Common Stock ("10% beneficial owners") are required to
file reports on Forms 3, 4, or 5 with the SEC disclosing changes
in beneficial ownership of the Common Stock.  SEC rules require
disclosure in the Company's Proxy Statement and Annual Report on
Form 10-K of the failure of an officer, director or 10%
beneficial owner of the Company's Common Stock to file a Form 3,
4, or 5 on a timely basis.  Based on the Company's review of such
ownership reports, no officer, director or 10% beneficial owner
of the Company failed to file ownership reports on a timely basis
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.

Board of Directors' Meetings and Committees

     The Board of Directors met eight times during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1997.  During fiscal 1997, no incumbent
director of the Company attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate
of the total number of Board meetings and the total number of
meetings held by the committees of the Board of Directors on
which he served.

     The Board of Directors of the Company has standing Audit,
Nominating and Compensation Committees.

     The Company's Audit Committee is responsible for the review
of the Company's annual audit report prepared by the Company's
independent auditors.  The review includes a detailed discussion
with the independent auditors and recommendation to the full
Board concerning any action to be taken regarding the audit.  The
current members of this committee are Directors Cox, Lalumondier,
Lamb, Radley and Rounkles.  The Company's Audit Committee did not
meet during fiscal 1997.  The audit committee of the Bank met one
time during fiscal 1997.

<PAGE>

     The Compensation Committee is currently composed of
Directors Cox, Lalumondier, Lamb, Radley and Rounkles.  This
Committee is responsible for evaluating the performance of the
Company's principal officers and employees to determine the
compensation and benefits to be paid to such persons, and for
administering the Company's Stock Option Plan and RRP.  This
Committee did not meet during fiscal 1997.  The compensation
committee of the Bank met one time during fiscal 1997.

     The Nominating Committee meets annually in order to nominate
candidates for membership on the Board of Directors.  This
committee is comprised of the board members who are not up for
election.  The Nominating Committee met one time during fiscal
1997.

Director Compensation

     During fiscal 1997, the Company paid directors a fee of
$2,000 per annum, payable quarterly.  These fees were increased
to $2,200 per annum, effective in September 1997.  Additionally,
during fiscal 1997, each director of the Bank received a total of
$9,700 in board fees plus $2,400 for serving on various
committees of the Bank.  Each director except for Mr. Lalumondier
also receives group hospitalization, dental, prescription and
life insurance coverage.  Mr. McCrorey also is paid a salary for
services performed as a loan originator for the Bank.

     Stock Benefit Plans.   Subject to stockholder approval of
the stock benefit plans at this Meeting, each member of the Board
of Directors will be granted awards pursuant to the Stock Option
Plan and the RRP.  For additional information regarding the stock
benefit plans, see Proposals II and III hereinafter discussed.

     Director Emeritus Agreement.  In order to encourage
directors to remain members of the Bank's board, in February 1995
the Bank entered into Director Emeritus Agreements (the "Emeritus
Agreements") with each of the directors of the Bank.  Pursuant to
the Emeritus Agreements, upon reaching age 75, directors Radley,
Lamb, Lalumondier, McCrorey, Rounkles and Cox will receive a
benefit of $671, $525, $642, $1,225, $817, and $846,
respectively, per month paid monthly for ten years following
retirement.  Upon termination of service for disability or
retirement prior to age 75, the director will receive a reduced
amount pursuant to a schedule as set forth in the Emeritus
Agreements, paid monthly for ten years following termination, or
if earlier, until the director's recovery from disability.  Upon
termination following a change in control of the Bank, each
director would be entitled to a lump sum payment of a reduced
amount pursuant to a schedule as set forth in the Emeritus
Agreement.  Upon the death or termination for cause of a
director, no benefits will be paid to such director.  The Bank
purchased life insurance to finance the benefits that would be
payable to five of the six directors.  The Bank accrued expenses
during fiscal 1997 in the aggregate amount of $14,814 for the
Emeritus Agreements.

Executive Compensation

     The Company has not paid any compensation to its executive
officers since its formation.  However, the Company does
reimburse the Bank for services performed on behalf of the
Company by its officers.  The Company does not presently
anticipate paying any compensation to such persons until it
becomes actively involved in the operation or acquisition of
businesses other than the Bank.

<PAGE>

     The following table sets forth the compensation paid or
accrued by the Bank for services rendered by Larry E. Hermreck,
the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank.  No executive officer
earned in excess of $100,000 during fiscal 1997.<PAGE>
<TABLE>

                                                                          Long-Term
                                          Annual Compensation        Compensation Awards

                                                                     Restricted
                                                       Other Annual     Stock    Options/    All Other
     Name and                      Salary      Bonus   Compensation    Award(s)    SARs     Compensation
Principal Position    Fiscal Year    ($)        ($)       ($)(1)         ($)        (#)          ($)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>
Larry E. Hermreck     1997        $ 67,500    $11,224     $   ---     $    ---(2)    ---(3)    --         $ 3,427(4)
 Chief Executive      1996          62,328     17,029         ---          ---(2)    ---(3)    --             ---
 Officer              1995          59,500     16,000         ---          ---(2)    ---(3)    --             ---

/TABLE
<PAGE>
- ------------------------
(1)  Mr. Hermreck did not receive any additional benefits or
perquisites which, in the aggregate, exceeded 10% of his salary
and bonus or $50,000.

(2)  No awards of restricted stock were made during the fiscal
year presented.  See Proposal III herein for a description of
restricted stock awards made subject to stockholder approval of
the RRP. 

(3)  No options or Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs") were
awarded during the fiscal years presented.  See Proposal II
herein  for options awarded subject to stockholder approval of
the Stock Option Plan.

(4)  Includes $3,282 contributed under the ESOP for the benefit
of Mr. Hermreck, and $145 contributed under the Bank's 401K Plan
for the benefit of Mr. Hermreck.

Employment Agreements

     The Bank entered into an employment agreement effective upon
consummation of the conversion with Larry E. Hermreck, the Bank's
Chief Executive Officer, providing for a term of three years. 
The contract provides for payment to the employee for the
remaining term of the contract unless the employee is terminated
"for cause."

     The employment agreement for Mr. Hermreck provides for an
annual base salary as determined by the Board of Directors.  Mr.
Hermreck's base salary (exclusive of bonuses) was approximately
$67,500 during fiscal 1997.  So long as the contract remains in
force, salary increases will be reviewed not less often than
annually thereafter, and are subject to the sole discretion of
the Board of Directors.  The employment contract provides for
annual extensions for one additional year, but only upon express
authorization by the Board of Directors at the end of each year. 
The contract provides for termination upon the employee's death,
for cause or in certain events specified by OTS regulations.  The
employment contract is terminable by the employee upon 90 days'
notice to the Bank.

     In the event there is a change in control of the Holding
Company or the Bank, as defined in the agreement, and if
employment terminates involuntarily, as defined in the Agreement,
in connection with such change in control or within 12 months
thereafter, the employment contract provides for a payment equal
to 299% of Mr. Hermreck's base amount of compensation as defined
in the Code.  Assuming a change in control were to take place as
of June 30, 1997, the aggregate amounts payable to Mr. Hermreck
pursuant to this change in control provision would be
approximately $219,000.

     The contract provides, among other things, for participation
in an equitable manner in employee benefits applicable to
executive personnel.

     The Bank also entered into an employment agreement with
Messrs. Goettling and Hartman and Ms. Teegarden.  These
agreements provide for a term of eighteen months and a change of
control payment equal to 150% of the employee's prior years'
compensation plus certain additional benefits such as health
insurance.  These agreements are otherwise similar to the
employment agreement with Mr. Hermreck.

<PAGE>

Salary Continuation Agreements

     In order to encourage the Bank's Chief Executive Officer to
remain an employee of the Bank, the Bank entered into a Salary
Continuation Agreement (the "Agreement") in February 1995 with
Mr. Hermreck.  Pursuant to the Agreement, upon retirement on or
after reaching age 65, Mr. Hermreck would receive a monthly
benefit of $2,917 paid monthly for 15 years following retirement. 
Upon termination of service for disability or retirement prior to
age 65, Mr. Hermreck would receive a reduced amount pursuant to a
schedule set forth in the Agreement, paid monthly for 15 years
following termination or, if earlier, until Mr. Hermreck's
recovery from disability.  Upon termination following a change in
control of the Bank, Mr. Hermreck would be entitled to a lump sum
payment of a reduced amount pursuant to a schedule set forth in
the Agreement.  The Agreement provides for a death benefit if Mr.
Hermreck dies while in active service of the Bank equal to the
amount that would be paid to Mr. Hermreck upon serving until age
65.  If Mr. Hermreck dies after benefit payments commence but
before receiving all payments, the Bank will pay the remaining
benefits at the same time and in the same amounts they would have
been paid had Mr. Hermreck survived.  The Bank purchased life
insurance on Mr. Hermreck whereby the Bank is the beneficiary in
order to offset the expected payments to Mr. Hermreck.  The Bank
accrued expenses during fiscal 1997 in the amount of $22,011 for
the Agreement.  The Bank has also entered into Salary
Continuation Agreements with Messrs. Alderson, Goettling and
Hartman and Ms. Teegarden.  These agreements are similar to the
Agreement with Mr. Hermreck, although providing for lower
payments.

Certain Transactions

     The Bank has followed a policy of granting consumer loans
and loans secured by one- to four-family real estate to officers,
directors and employees.  Loans to directors and executive
officers are made in the ordinary course of business and on the
same terms and conditions as those of comparable transactions
with the general public prevailing at the time, in accordance
with the Bank's underwriting guidelines, and do not involve more
than the normal risk of collectibility or present other
unfavorable features.

     All loans by the Bank to its directors and executive
officers are subject to OTS regulations restricting loan and
other transactions with affiliated persons of the Bank.  Federal
law generally requires that all loans to directors and executive
officers be made on terms and conditions comparable to those for
similar transactions with non-affiliates, subject to limited
exceptions.  Loans to all directors, executive officers,
employees and their associates totaled $2.4 million at June 30,
1997, which was 13.4% of the Company's stockholders' equity at
that date.  There were no loans outstanding to any director,
executive officer or their affiliates at preferential rates or
terms which in the aggregate exceeded $60,000 during the three
years ended June 30, 1997 .  All loans to directors and officers
were performing in accordance with their terms at June 30, 1997.


                          PROPOSAL II -
    RATIFICATION OF THE 1997 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN

General

     Establishment and implementation of the Stock Option Plan
are subject to approval by stockholders and the satisfaction of
certain other conditions.

     The 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the "Stock Option
Plan") has been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company,
subject to ratification by stockholders at the Meeting.  Pursuant
to the Stock Option Plan, 102,495 shares of the Company's Common
Stock are reserved for issuance by the Company under the Stock
Option Plan.  The Company may determine to reacquire shares in
the open market for purposes of fulfilling its obligations under
the Stock Option Plan, or may alternatively issue additional
shares for this purpose.  Since stockholders do not have
preemptive rights, to the extent the Company issues all shares
reserved for issuance under the Stock Option Plan, the interests
of current stockholders will be diluted 9.1%.

     The Board of Directors believes that it is appropriate for
the Company to adopt a flexible and comprehensive stock option
and incentive plan which permits the granting of a variety of
long-term incentive awards to directors, advisory directors,
officers and employees as a means of enhancing and encouraging
the recruitment and retention of those individuals on whom the
continued success of the Company most depends.  However, because
the awards

<PAGE>

are granted only to persons affiliated with the Company, the
adoption of the Stock Option Plan could make it more difficult
for a third party to acquire control of the Company and therefore
could discourage offers for the Company's stock that may be
viewed by the Company's stockholders to be in their best
interest.  In addition, certain provisions included in the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws may discourage
potential takeover attempts, particularly those that have not
been negotiated directly with the Board of Directors of the
Company.  Included in the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
are provisions (i) limiting the voting power of shares held by
persons owning 10% or more of the Common Stock, (ii) requiring a
supermajority vote of shareholders for approval of certain
business combinations, (iii) establishing a staggered Board of
Directors, (iv) permitting special meetings of shareholders to be
called only by the Board of Directors and (v) authorizing a class
of preferred stock with terms to be established by the Board of
Directors.  These provisions could prevent the sale or merger of
the Company even where a majority of the stockholders approve of
such transaction.

     In addition, federal regulations prohibit the beneficial
ownership of more than 10% of the stock of a converted savings
institution or its holding company without prior approval of the 
OTS.  Federal law and regulations also require OTS approval prior
to the acquisition of "control" (as defined in the regulations)
of an insured institution, including a holding company thereof. 
These regulations could have the effect of discouraging takeover
attempts of the Company.

     Attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement is the
complete text of the Stock Option Plan.  The principal features
of the Stock Option Plan are summarized below.

Principal Features of the Stock Option Plan

     The Stock Option Plan provides for awards in the form of
stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs") and limited
stock appreciation rights ("Limited SARs").  Each award shall be
on such terms and conditions, consistent with the Stock Option
Plan and applicable OTS Regulations, as the committee
administering the Stock Option Plan may determine.

     The term of stock options will not exceed ten years from the
date of grant.  The Stock Option Committee may grant either
"Incentive Stock Options" as defined under Section 422 of the
Code or stock options not intended to qualify as such ("non-
qualified stock options").

     Shares may be either authorized but unissued shares or
reacquired shares held by the Company in its treasury.  Any
shares subject to an award which expires or is terminated
unexercised will again be available for issuance under the Stock
Option Plan.  Generally, in the discretion of the Board, all or
any non-qualified stock options granted under the Stock Option
Plan may be transferable by the Participant but only to the
persons or classes of persons determined by the Board in any
determination permitting transferability.   No other award or any
right or interest therein is assignable or transferable except
under certain limited exceptions set forth in the Stock Option
Plan.

     The Stock Option Plan is administered by a committee of the
Board (the "Stock Option Committee") consisting of either two or
more "non-employee directors" (as defined in the Stock Option
Plan), or the entire Board of Directors.  The members of the
Stock Option Committee shall be appointed by the Board of
Directors of the Company.  Currently, the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors of the Company acts as the Stock Option
Committee.  All outside directors have been appointed as the
present members of the Compensation Committee.  Pursuant to the
terms of the Stock Option Plan, any director, advisory director,
officer or employee of the Company or its affiliates is eligible
to participate in the Stock Option Plan.  The Stock Option
Committee will determine to whom the awards will be granted under
the Stock Option Plan, in what amounts, and the period over which
such awards will vest.  In granting awards under the Stock Option
Plan, the Stock Option Committee considers, among other things,
position and years of service, value of the participant's
services to the Company and the Bank and the added
responsibilities of such individuals as employees, directors and
officers of a public company.  As of June 30, 1997, there were
five non-employee directors, no director emeritus, and seven
employees eligible to participate in the Stock Option Plan.

<PAGE>

Stock Options

     In general, stock options will not be exercisable after the
expiration of their terms.  If a Participant to whom an Option or
Right was granted shall cease to maintain Continuous Service for
any reason (excluding death, disability, normal retirement or
following a change in control of the Bank or the Company, and
termination of employment by the Corporation or any Affiliate for
cause), such Participant may, but only within the period of three
months immediately succeeding such cessation of Continuous
Service and in no event after the expiration date of such Option
or Right, exercise such Option or Right to the extent that such
Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or Right at the
date of cessation, provided, however, that such right of exercise
after cessation of Continuous Service shall not be available to a
Participant if the Stock Option Committee otherwise determines
and so provides in the applicable instrument or instruments
evidencing the grant of such Option or Right.  If a Participant
to whom an Option or Right was granted shall cease to maintain
Continuous Service by reason of death,  disability, normal
retirement or following a change in control of the Bank or the
Company then, unless the Committee shall otherwise provide in the
instrument evidencing the grant of an Option or Right, all
Options and Rights granted and not fully exercisable shall become
exercisable in full upon the happening of such an event and shall
remain exercisable in the event of death for the period described
below and in the event of disability, normal retirement or
following a change in control for a period of one year following
such date.  If the Continuous Service of a Participant to whom an
Option or Right was granted by the Company is terminated for
cause, all rights under any Option or Right of such Participant
shall expire immediately upon the effective date of  such
termination.

     In the event of the death of a Participant while in the
Continuous Service of the Company or an Affiliate or within the
one year period referred to above, the person to whom any Option
or Right held by the Participant at the time of his death is
transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution, 
may, but only to the extent such Participant was entitled to
exercise such Option or Right immediately prior to his death,
exercise such Option or Right at any time within a period of one
year succeeding the date of death of such Participant, but in no
event later than ten years from the date of grant of such Option
or Right.  Following the death of any participant, the Stock
Option Committee may, as an alternative means of settlement of an
option, elect to pay to the holder an amount of cash equal to the
amount by which the market value of the shares covered by the
option on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price,
multiplied by the number of shares with respect to which such
option is properly exercised.  A stock option will automatically
terminate and will no longer be exercisable as of the date a
participant is terminated for cause.

     The exercise price for the purchase of shares subject to a
stock option at the date of grant may not be less than 100% of
the market value of the shares covered by the option on that
date.  The exercise price must be paid in full in cash or shares
of Common Stock, or a combination of both.

     Subject to stockholder approval of the Stock Option Plan,
the Committee intends to provide for the grant of a non-qualified
stock option to purchase 5,125 shares of Common Stock to each
director of the Company, who is not an employee,  as of the date
of stockholder ratification of the adoption of the Stock Option
Plan.  The Committee also intends to provide for the grant to
Robert E. McCrorey, who serves as President and Chairman of the
Board of the Company, 10,249 options to purchase shares of Common
Stock of the Company.  It is expected that such options will be
awarded with a term of ten years, and vest at the rate of 20% per
year generally commencing on the date of stockholder approval of
the Stock Option Plan with each additional installment vesting on
the four subsequent anniversaries of each date (subject to
certain exceptions set forth in the stock option award).  The
exercise price per share of such options shall be equal to the
fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.

Stock Appreciation Rights

     The Stock Option Committee may grant SARs at any time,
whether or not the participant then holds stock options, granting
the right to receive the excess of the market value of the shares
represented by the SARs on the date exercised over the exercise
price.  SARs generally will be subject to the same terms and
conditions and exercisable to the same extent as stock options,
as described above.  Upon the exercise of a SAR, the participant
will receive the amount due in cash or shares, or a combination
of both, as determined by the Stock Option Committee.  SARs may
be related to stock options ("tandem SARs"), in which case the
exercise of one will reduce to that extent the number of shares
represented by the other.  If a SAR is granted with and related
to an Incentive Stock Option, the SAR must satisfy all the
restrictions and limitations to which the related Incentive Stock
Option is subject.

<PAGE>

     SARs will require an expense accrual by the Company each
year for the appreciation on the SARs which it is anticipated
will be exercised.  The amount of the accrual is dependent upon
whether and the extent to which the SARs are granted and the
amount, if any, by which the market value of the SARs exceeds the
exercise price.

Limited Stock Appreciation Rights

     Limited SARs will be exercisable only in the event of a
change in control of the Bank or the Company. The amount paid on
exercise of a Limited SAR will be the excess of the market value
of the shares on the date of exercise, over the exercise price. 
Payment upon exercise of a Limited SAR will be in cash, or in the
event of a change in control in which pooling accounting
treatment is a condition to the transaction, for shares of stock
of the Company, or in the event of a merger transaction, for
shares of the acquiring corporation or its parent, as applicable.

     Limited SARs may be granted at the time of, and must be
related to, the grant of a stock option or SAR.  The exercise of
one will reduce to that extent the number of shares represented
by the other.  If a Limited SAR is granted with and related to an
Incentive Stock Option the Limited SAR must satisfy all the
restrictions and limitations to which the related Incentive Stock
Option is subject.

Effect of Adjustments

     Shares as to which awards may be granted under the Stock
Option Plan, and shares then subject to awards, will be adjusted
by the Stock Option Committee in the event of any merger,
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend,
stock split, combination or exchange of shares or other change in
the corporate structure of the Company.

     In the case of any merger, consolidation or combination of
the Company with or into another thrift holding company or other
entity, whereby either the Company is not the continuing thrift
holding company or its outstanding shares are converted into or
exchanged for securities, cash or other property, or any
combination thereof, any participant to whom a stock option, SAR
and Limited SAR has been granted  will have the right (subject to
the provisions of the Stock Option Plan and any applicable
vesting period) upon exercise of the option, SAR or Limited SAR
to an amount equal to the excess of fair market value on the date
of exercise of the consideration receivable in the merger,
consolidation or combination with respect to the shares covered
or represented by the stock option, SAR or Limited SAR over the
exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of shares
with respect to which the option, SAR or Limited SAR has been
exercised.

Amendment and Termination

     The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time,
amend, suspend or terminate the Stock Option Plan or any portion
thereof, provided, however, that no such amendment, suspension or
termination shall impair the rights of any Participant, without
his consent, in any Award therefore made pursuant to the Plan. 
Unless previously terminated, the Stock Option Plan shall
continue in effect for a term of ten years, after which no
further awards may be granted under the Stock Option Plan.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

     Under present federal income tax laws, awards under the
Stock Option Plan will have the following consequences:

(1)  The grant of an Award, by itself, will neither result in the
recognition of taxable income to the Participant nor entitle the
Company to a deduction at the time of such grant.

(2)  The exercise of a stock option which is an "Incentive Stock
Option" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code will
generally not, by itself, result in the recognition of taxable
income to the participant nor entitle the Company to a deduction
at the time of such exercise.  However, the difference between
the exercise price and the fair market value of the option shares
on the date of exercise is an item of tax preference which may,
in certain situations, trigger the alternative minimum tax.  The
alternative minimum tax is incurred only when it exceeds the
regular income tax.  The alternative minimum tax will be payable
at the rate of 26% to the first $175,000 of "ordinary income" in
excess of $33,750 (single person) or $45,000 (married person
filing jointly).


<PAGE>

This tax applies at a flat rate of 28% of so much of the taxable
ordinary income in excess of $175,000. The alternative minimum
tax will be payable at a maximum rate of 20% on net capital gain. 
 If a taxpayer has alternative minimum taxable income in excess
of $150,000 (married persons filing jointly) or $112,500 (single
person), the $45,000 or $33,750 exemptions are reduced by an
amount equal to 25% of the amount by which the alternative
minimum taxable income of the taxpayer exceeds $150,000 or
$112,500, respectively.  The Participant will recognize long term
capital gain or loss upon the resale of the shares received upon
such exercise, provided the Participant holds the shares for more
than eighteen months from the date of exercise.

(3)  The exercise of a stock option which is not an Incentive
Stock Option will result in the recognition of ordinary income by
the Participant on the date of exercise in an amount equal to the
difference between the exercise price and the fair market value
on the date of exercise of the shares acquired pursuant to the
stock option.

(4)  The exercise of a SAR will result in the recognition of
ordinary income by the Participant on the date of exercise in an
amount of cash, and/or the fair market value on that date of the
shares, acquired pursuant to the exercise.

(5)  The Company will be allowed a deduction at the time, and in
the amount of, any ordinary income recognized by the Participant
under the various circumstances described above, provided that
the Company meets its federal withholding tax obligations.

Awards Under the Stock Option Plan

     The following table presents information with respect to the
number of awards of options which are intended to be granted
under the Stock Option Plan, subject to stockholder approval of
the Stock Option Plan, to the Company's Chief Executive Officer,
to all executive officers as a group, to directors who are not
executive officers of the Company and the Bank as a group, and to
non-executive employees as a group.  All options will be granted
at the fair market value on the date of grant.

<TABLE>

                        STOCK OPTION PLAN

                                                    Dollar
Name and Position                                    Value       Number of Units
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>
Larry E. Hermreck, Chief Executive Officer            $--             22,550
Executive Group (6 persons)                            --             66,622
Non-Executive Director Group (5 persons)               --             25,625
Non-Executive Employee Group (0 persons)               --                ---


- ----------------------

(1)  Any value realized will be the difference between the exercise price and the
market value upon exercise. Since the options have not been granted, there is no
current value.

</TABLE>

     Subject to the conditions of the Stock Option Plan described
herein, the proposed awards to be made in 1997 described herein
will vest in five equal annual installments with the first
installment generally vesting on the date of stockholder
ratification of the Stock Option Plan.


     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE
"FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE 1997 STOCK OPTION
AND INCENTIVE PLAN.

<PAGE>

                         PROPOSAL III -
       RATIFICATION OF THE RECOGNITION AND RETENTION PLAN

General

     Establishment and implementation of the RRP are subject to
approval by stockholders, and the satisfaction of certain other
conditions.

     Subject to ratification by stockholders, the Board of
Directors of the Company has adopted a Recognition and Retention
Plan (the "RRP") as a method of providing key officers and
directors with a proprietary interest in the Company in a manner
designed to encourage such individuals to remain with the
Company.  Pursuant to the RRP, restricted stock awards covering
40,998 shares have been reserved for issuance under the RRP.

     Attached as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement is the
complete text of the form of the RRP.  The principal features of
the RRP are summarized below.

Principal Features of the RRP

     The RRP provides for the award of shares of Common Stock
("RRP Shares") subject to the restrictions described below.  Each
award under the RRP will be made on such terms and conditions,
consistent with the RRP, as the RRP Committee administering the
RRP shall determine.

     The RRP is administered by a committee of the Board
consisting of either (i) at least two "non-employee directors"
(as defined in the RRP) or (ii) the entire Board of Directors 
(the "RRP Committee"),  The members of the RRP Committee shall be
appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company.  Currently,
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company, consisting of all outside directors, acts as the RRP
Committee.  The RRP Committee will select the recipients and
terms of awards pursuant to the RRP.  In determining to whom and
in what amount to grant awards, the RRP Committee considers the
position and responsibilities of eligible employees, the value of
their services to the Company and the Bank and other factors it
deems relevant.  Pursuant to the terms of the RRP, any director,
advisory director, officer or employee of the Company or its
affiliates may be selected by the RRP Committee to participate in
the RRP.  As of June 30, 1997, there were five non-employee
directors, no director emeritus, and seven employees eligible to
participate in the RRP.

     The RRP provides that RRP Shares used to fund awards under
such plan may be either authorized but unissued shares or issued
shares heretofore or hereafter reacquired by the Company in the
open market and held as treasury shares.  Since stockholders do
not have preemptive rights, to the extent the Company utilizes
authorized but unissued shares to fund the RRP, the interests of
the current stockholders will be diluted by approximately 3.85%.

     Subject to compliance with OTS Regulations, award recipients
earn (i.e., become vested in) awards, over a period of time as
determined by the RRP Committee, at the time of grant.  It is
expected that RRP Shares to be awarded in 1997 to directors,
officers and employees (including executive officers) will vest
in five equal annual installments, with the first installment
vesting on the date of grant, in each case subject to the
conditions described below.  RRP Shares are subject to forfeiture
if the recipient fails to remain in the continuous service (as
defined in the RRP) as an employee, officer, director, or
advisory director of the Company or the Bank for a stipulated
period (the "restricted period"). 

     Subject to compliance with OTS Regulations, the RRP
Committee may, in its discretion, accelerate the time at which
any or all restrictions will lapse, or may remove any or all of
the restrictions.  In the event a recipient ceases to maintain
continuous service with the Company or the Bank by reason of
normal retirement, death, disability, or a change in control of
the Bank or the Company,  RRP Shares still subject to
restrictions will be free of these restrictions and shall not be
forfeited.  In the event of termination for any other reason, all 
nonvested shares will be forfeited and returned to the Company.
Prior to vesting of the nonvested RRP shares, a recipient will
have the right to vote the nonvested RRP Shares which have been
awarded to the recipient and will receive any dividends declared
on such RRP Shares.

<PAGE>

Effect of Adjustments

     Restricted stock awarded under the RRP will be adjusted by
the RRP Committee in the event of a reorganization,
recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, combination or
exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other change in
corporate structure.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

     Holders of restricted stock will recognize ordinary income
on the date that the shares of restricted stock are no longer
subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, in an amount equal
to the fair market value of the shares on that date.  In certain
circumstances, a holder may elect to recognize ordinary income
and determine such fair market value on the date of the grant of
the restricted stock.  Holders of restricted stock will also
recognize ordinary income equal to their dividend or dividend
equivalent payments when such payments are received.  Generally,
the amount of income recognized by participants will be a
deductible expense for tax purposes by the Bank.

Amendment to the RRP

     Subject to compliance with the OTS Regulations, the Board of
Directors of the Company may at any time amend, suspend or
terminate the RRP or any portion thereof, provided, however, that
no such amendment, suspension or termination shall impair the
rights of any award recipient, without his consent, in any award
therefore made pursuant to the RRP.

Awards Under the RRP

     The following table presents information with respect to the
number of awards of restricted stock which are intended to be
granted under the RRP, subject to stockholder approval of the
RRP, to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, to all executive
officers as a group, to directors who are not executive officers
of the Company and the Bank as a group and to all non-executive
employees as a group.  Subject to stockholder ratification of the
RRP, the Committee intends to provide for the award of 2,049
shares of restricted stock to each director of the Company who is
not also an employee.  In addition, the Committee intends to
grant Robert E. McCrorey, who serves as President and Chairman of
the Board of the Company, 4,099 shares of restricted stock.

<TABLE>

                        RECOGNITION AND RETENTION PLAN

                                                    Dollar
Name and Position                                    Value    Shares of Restricted
Stock
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>
Larry E. Hermreck, Chief Executive Officer            $171,361         9,019
Executive Group (6 persons)                            506,312        26,648
Non-Executive Director Group (5 persons)               194,655        10,245
Non-Executive Employee Group (0 persons)                   ---           ---
</TABLE>

- ------------------------
(1)  Assumes an aggregate market value of the shares of
restricted stock based on the closing sales price of the
Company's Common Stock of $19.00 per share on September 22, 1997.


      PROPOSAL IV - RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS

     The Board of Directors of the Company has appointed KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, independent accountants, to be the Company's
auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, subject to the
ratification of the appointment by the Company's shareholders. 
Representatives of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP are expected to attend
the Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make a
statement if they so desire.

<PAGE>

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE
"FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK
LLP AS THE COMPANY'S AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30,
1998.


                      STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

     In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's proxy
materials for the next annual meeting of stockholders, any
stockholder proposal to take action at such meeting must be
received at the Company's office located at 1001 North Jesse
James Road, Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024, no later than May
30, 1998.  Any such proposal shall be subject to the requirements
of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act.


                          OTHER MATTERS

     The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come
before the Meeting other than those matters described above in
this Proxy Statement.  However, if any other matter should
properly come before the Meeting, it is intended that holders of
the proxies will act in accordance with their best judgment.

     The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the
Company.  The Company will reimburse brokerage firms and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses
incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial
owners of Common Stock.  The Company has retained Regan &
Associates, Inc., to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a
fee estimated to be approximately $3,500, plus out-of-pocket
expenses.  In addition to solicitation by mail, directors,
officers and regular employees of the Company and the Bank may
solicit proxies personally or by telegraph or telephone without
additional compensation.



Excelsior Springs, Missouri
September 26, 1997

<PAGE>

                                                       APPENDIX A
                       CBES BANCORP, INC.

              1997 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN


     1.   Plan Purpose.

          The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term
interests of the Corporation and its stockholders by providing a
means for attracting and retaining directors, advisory directors,
officers and employees of the Corporation and its Affiliates.  It
is intended that designated Options granted pursuant to the
provisions of this Plan to persons employed by the Corporation or
its Affiliates will qualify as Incentive Stock Options.  Options
granted to persons who are not employees will be Non-Qualified
Stock Options.

     2.   Definitions.

          The following definitions are applicable to the Plan:

          "Affiliate" - means any "parent corporation" or
"subsidiary corporation" of the Corporation, as such terms are
defined in Section 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code.

          "Award" - means the grant of an Incentive Stock Option,
a Non-Qualified Stock Option, a Stock Appreciation Right, a
Limited Stock Appreciation Right, or any combination thereof, as
provided in the Plan.

          "Bank" - means Community Bank of Excelsior Springs, a
Savings Bank, and any successor entity.

          "Board"  or "Board of Directors"- means the board of
directors of the Corporation or its Affiliate, as applicable.

          "Change in Control" of the Bank or the Corporation
means a change in control of a nature that:( i) would be required
to be reported in response to Item 1(a) of the current report on
Form 8-K, as in effect on the date hereof, pursuant to Section 13
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act"); or (ii) results in a Change in Control of the Bank or the
Corporation within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, as amended ("BHCA"), and applicable rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, as in effect at the time of the Change in
Control; or (iii) without limitation such a Change in Control
shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as (a) any "person"
(as the term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange
Act) is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Corporation representing 25% or more of the
combined voting power of Corporation's outstanding securities
except for any securities purchased by the Bank's employee stock
ownership plan or trust; or (b) individuals who constitute the
Board on the date hereof (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any
reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, provided,
however,  that this subsection (b) shall not apply if the
Incumbent Board is replaced by the appointment by a Federal
banking agency of a conservator or receiver for the Bank and,
provided further that any person becoming a director subsequent
to the date hereof whose election was approved by a vote of at
least two-thirds of the directors comprising the Incumbent Board,
or whose nomination for election by the Corporation's
stockholders was approved by the same nominating committee
serving under an Incumbent Board, shall be, for purposes of this
clause (b), considered as though he were a member of the
Incumbent Board; or (c) a plan of reorganization, merger,
consolidation, sale of all or substantially all the assets of the
Bank or the Corporation or similar transaction in which the Bank
or Corporation is not the surviving institution occurs; or (d) a
proxy statement soliciting proxies from stockholders of the
Corporation, by someone other than the current management of the
Corporation, seeking stockholder approval of a plan of
reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Corporation or
Bank or similar transaction with one or more corporations as a
result of which the outstanding shares of the class of securities
then subject to such plan or transaction are to be exchanged for
or converted into cash or property or securities not issued by
the Bank or Corporation shall be distributed and the requisite
number of proxies approving such plan of reorganization, merger
or consolidation of the Corporation or Bank are received and
voted in favor of such transactions; or (e) a tender offer is
made for 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Bank or
Corporation and the shareholders owning beneficially or of record
25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Bank or
Corporation have tendered or

<PAGE>

offered to sell their shares pursuant to such tender offer and
such tendered shares have been accepted by the tender offeror.

          "Code" - means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

          "Committee" - means the Committee referred to in
Section 3 hereof.

          "Continuous Service" - means the absence of any
interruption or termination of service as a director, advisory
director, director emeritus, officer or employee of the
Corporation or an Affiliate, except that when used with respect
to persons granted an Incentive Option means the absence of any
interruption or termination of service as an employee of the
Corporation or an Affiliate.  Service shall not be considered
interrupted in the case of sick leave, military leave or any
other leave of absence approved by the Corporation or in the case
of transfers between payroll locations of the Corporation or
between the Corporation, its parent, its subsidiaries or its
successor.  With respect to any advisory director or director
emeritus, continuous service shall mean availability to perform
such functions as may be required of such persons.

          "Corporation" - means CBES Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

          "Disability" - means the permanent and total inability
by reason of mental or physical infirmity, or both, of an
employee to perform the work customarily assigned to him. 
Additionally, a medical doctor selected or approved by the Board
must advise the committee that it is either not possible to
determine where such Disability will terminate or that it appears
probable that such Disability will be permanent during the
remainder of said Participant's lifetime.

          "Employee" - means any person, including an officer or
director, who is employed by the Corporation or any Affiliate.

          "ERISA" - means the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended.

          "Exercise Price" - means (i) in the case of an Option,
the price per Share at which the Shares subject to such Option
may be purchased upon exercise of such Option and (ii) in the
case of a Right, the price per Share (other than the Market Value
per Share on the date of exercise and the Offer Price per Share
as defined in Section 10 hereof) which, upon grant, the Committee
determines shall be utilized in calculating the aggregate value
which a Participant shall be entitled to receive pursuant to
Sections 9, 10 or 12 hereof upon exercise of such Right.

          "Incentive Stock Option" - means an option to purchase
Shares granted by the Committee pursuant to Section 6 hereof
which is subject to the limitations and restrictions of Section 8
hereof and is intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Code.

          "Limited Stock Appreciation Right" - means a stock
appreciation right with respect to Shares granted by the
Committee pursuant to Sections 6 and 10 hereof.

          "Market Value" - means the average of the high and low
quoted sales price on the date in question (or, if there is no
reported sale on such date, on the last preceding date on which
any reported sale occurred) of a Share on the Composite Tape for
the New York Stock Exchange-Listed Stocks, or, if on such date
the Shares are not quoted on the Composite Tape, on the New York
Stock Exchange, or, if the Shares are not listed or admitted to
trading on such Exchange, on the principal United States
securities exchange registered under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 on which the Shares are listed or admitted to trading,
or, if the Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any
such exchange, the mean between the closing high bid and low
asked quotations with respect to a Share on such date on the
NASDAQ System, or any similar system then in use, or, if no such
quotations are available, the fair market value on such date of a
Share as the Committee shall reasonably determine.

          "Non-Employee Director" - means a Director who (a) is
not employed by the Corporation or an Affiliate; (b) does not
receive compensation directly or indirectly as a consultant (or
in any other capacity than as a director) greater than $60,000;
(c) does not have an interest in a transaction requiring
disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation

<PAGE>

S-K; or (d) is not engaged in a business relationship for which
disclosure would be required pursuant to Item 404(b) of
Regulation S-K.
 
          "Non-Qualified Stock Option" - means an option to
purchase Shares granted by the Committee pursuant to Section 6
hereof to (i) a Director who is not an employee of the
Corporation or Affiliate or (ii) to any other Participant and
such Option is either (A) not designated by the Committee as an
Incentive Stock Option, or (B) fails to satisfy the requirements
of an Incentive Stock  Option as set forth in Section 422 of the
Code and the regulations thereunder.

          "Normal Retirement" means retirement after reaching 65
years of age.
          
          "Option" - means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-
Qualified Stock Option.

          "OTS" - means the Office of Thrift Supervision.

          "Outside Director" - means a director of the
Corporation or an Affiliate who is not an employee of the
Corporation or an Affiliate.

          "Participant" - means any officer, employee, director,
advisory director or director emeritus of the Corporation or any
Affiliate who is selected by the Committee to receive an Award.

          "Plan" - means the 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
of the Corporation.

          "Related" - means (i) in the case of a Right, a Right
which is granted in connection with, and to the extent
exercisable, in whole or in part, in lieu of, an Option or
another Right and (ii) in the case of an Option, an Option with
respect to which and to the extent a Right is exercisable, in
whole or in part, in lieu thereof has been granted.

          "Right" - means a Limited Stock Appreciation Right or a
Stock Appreciation Right.

          "Shares" - means the shares of common stock of the
Corporation.

          "Stock Appreciation Right" - means a stock appreciation
right with respect to Shares granted by the Committee pursuant to
Sections 6 and 9 hereof.

          "Termination for Cause" - means the termination of
employment or termination of service on the Board caused by the
individual's personal dishonesty, willful misconduct, any breach
of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure
to perform stated duties, or the willful violation of any law,
rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar
offenses), or a final cease-and-desist order, any of which
results in material loss to the Corporation or one of its
Affiliates.

     3.   Administration.

          The Plan shall be administered by a Committee of the
Board consisting of either (i) at least two Non-Employee
Directors of the Corporation, or (ii) the entire Board of the
Corporation.  Except as limited by the express provisions of the
Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority and
discretion, to (i) select Participants and grant Awards; (ii)
determine the number of Shares to be subject to types of Awards
generally, as well as to individual Awards granted under the
Plan; (iii) determine the terms and conditions upon which Awards
shall be granted under the Plan; (iv) describe the form and terms
of instruments evidencing such grants; and (v) establish from
time to time regulations for the administration of the Plan,
interpret the Plan, and make all determinations deemed necessary
or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

          A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum,
and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting
at which a quorum is present, or acts approved in writing by a
majority of the Committee without a meeting, shall be acts of the
Committee.

<PAGE>

     4.   Participation in Committee Awards.

          The Committee may select from time to time Participants
in the Plan from those directors, advisory directors, directors
emeriti, officers and employees, of the Corporation or its
Affiliates who, in the opinion of the Committee, have the
capacity for contributing to the successful performance of the
Corporation or its Affiliates.

     5.   Shares Subject to Plan.

          Subject to adjustment by the operation of Section 11
hereof, the maximum number of Shares with respect to which Awards
may be made under the Plan is 102,495 Shares.  The Shares with
respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan may be either
authorized and unissued shares or issued shares heretofore or
hereafter reacquired and held as treasury shares.  Shares which
are subject to Related Rights and Related Options shall be
counted only once in determining whether the maximum number of
Shares with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan
has been exceeded.  An Award shall not be considered to have been
made under the Plan with respect to any Option or Right which
terminates and new Awards may be granted under the Plan with
respect to the number of Shares as to which such termination has
occurred. 

     6.   General Terms and Conditions of Options and Rights.

          The Committee shall have full and complete authority
and discretion, except as expressly limited by the Plan, to grant
Options and/or Rights and to provide the terms and conditions
(which need not be identical among Participants) thereof.  In
particular, the Committee shall prescribe the following terms and
conditions:  (i) the Exercise Price of any Option or Right, which
shall not be less than the Market Value per Share at the date of
grant of such Option or Right, (ii) the number of Shares subject
to, and the expiration date of, any Option or Right, which
expiration date shall not exceed ten years from the date of
grant, (iii) the manner, time and rate (cumulative or otherwise)
of exercise of such Option or Right, and (iv) the restrictions,
if any, to be placed upon such Option or Right or upon Shares
which may be issued upon exercise of such Option or Right. 

          Furthermore, at the time of any Award, the Participant
shall enter into an agreement with the Corporation in a form
specified by the Committee, agreeing to the terms and conditions
of the Award and such other matters as the Committee, in its sole
discretion, shall determine (the "Option Agreement").

     7.   Exercise of Options or Rights.

          (a)  Except as provided herein, an Incentive Stock 
Option or Related Right granted under the Plan shall be
exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant to whom such
Incentive Stock  Option or Related Right was granted only by such
Participant.  Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of
this Section 7, no Option or Right may be exercised unless at the
time such Participant exercises such Option or Right, such
Participant has maintained Continuous Service since the date of
grant of such Option or Right. 

          (b)  To exercise an Option or Right under the Plan, the
Participant to whom such Option or Right was granted shall give
written notice to the Corporation in form satisfactory to the
Committee (and, if partial exercises have been permitted by the
Committee, by specifying the number of Shares with respect to
which such Participant elects to exercise such Option or Right)
together with full payment of the Exercise Price, if any and to
the extent required.  The date of exercise shall be the date on
which such notice is received by the Corporation.  Payment, if
any is required, shall be made either (i) in cash (including
check, bank draft or money order) or (ii) if permitted by the
Committee, (A) by delivering Shares already owned by the
Participant and having a fair market value equal to the
applicable exercise price, such fair market value to be
determined in such appropriate manner as may be provided by the
Committee or as may be required in order to comply with or to
conform to requirements of any applicable laws or regulations,
(B) by delivering a combination of cash and such Shares, or (C)
by a "cashless exercise".  Upon a cashless exercise, the
Participant shall give the Corporation written notice of the
exercise of the Option together with an order to a registered
broker-dealer or equivalent third party, to sell part or all of
the Common Stock subject to the Option

<PAGE>

and to deliver enough of the proceeds to the Corporation to pay
the Option exercise price and any applicable withholding taxes. 
If the Participant does not sell the Common Stock subject to the
Option through a registered broker-dealer or equivalent third
party, the Optionee can give the Corporation written notice of
the exercise of the Option and the third party purchaser of the
Common Stock subject to the Option shall pay the Option exercise
price plus applicable withholding taxes to the Corporation. 

          (c)  If a Participant to whom an Option or Right was
granted shall cease to maintain Continuous Service for any reason
(excluding death, Disability, Normal Retirement, following a
Change in Control, or Termination For Cause), such Participant
may, but only within the period of three months immediately
succeeding such cessation of Continuous Service and in no event
after the expiration date of such Option or Right, exercise such
Option or Right to the extent that such Participant was entitled
to exercise such Option or Right at the date of such cessation,
provided, however, that such right of exercise shall not be
available to a Participant if the Committee otherwise determines
and so provides in the applicable instrument or instruments
evidencing the grant of such Option or Right.  If a Participant
to whom an Option or Right was granted shall cease to maintain
Continuous Service by reason of death, Disability, Normal
Retirement or following a Change in Control, then, unless the
Committee shall have otherwise provided in the instrument
evidencing the grant of an Option or Right, all Options and
Rights granted, whether or not fully exercisable, shall become
exercisable in full upon the happening of such event and shall
remain so exercisable for a period of one year following the date
of his cessation of Continuous Service, provided, however, that
any such Option shall not be eligible for treatment as an
Incentive Stock Option in the event such Option is exercised more
than three months following the date of his Normal Retirement or
Change in Control; and provided further, that no Option shall be
eligible for treatment as an Incentive Stock Option in the event
such Option is exercised more than one year following cessation
of Continuous Service due to Disability and provided further, in
order to obtain Incentive Stock Option treatment for Options
exercised by heirs or devisees of an Optionee, the Optionee's
death must have occurred while employed or within three (3)
months of termination of employment.  In no event shall the
exercise period extend beyond the expiration of the Incentive
Stock Option term.  If the Continuous Service of a Participant to
whom an Option or Right was granted by the Corporation is
terminated in a Termination for Cause, all rights under any
Option or Right of such Participant shall expire immediately upon
the effective date of such termination.

          (d)  In the event of the death of a Participant while
in the Continuous Service of the Corporation or an Affiliate or
within the one year period referred to in paragraph (c) of this
Section 7, the person to whom any Option or Right held by the
Participant at the time of his death is transferred by will or
the laws of descent and distribution, may, but only to the extent
such Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or Right
immediately prior to his death, exercise such Option or Right at
any time within a period of one year succeeding the date of death
of such Participant, but in no event later than ten years from
the date of grant of such Option or Right.  Following the death
of any Participant to whom an Option was granted under the Plan,
irrespective of whether any Related Right shall have theretofore
been granted to the Participant or whether the person entitled to
exercise such Related Right desires to do so, the Committee may,
as an alternative means of settlement of such Option, elect to
pay to the person to whom such Option is transferred by will or
by the laws of descent and distribution, the amount by which the
Market Value per Share on the date of exercise of such Option
shall exceed the Exercise Price of such Option, multiplied by the
number of Shares with respect to which such Option is properly
exercised.  Any such settlement of an Option shall be considered
an exercise of such Option for all purposes of the Plan.

          (e)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraphs
(c) and (d) above, the Committee may, in its sole discretion,
establish different terms and conditions pertaining to the effect
of termination to the extent permitted by applicable federal and
state law.

<PAGE>

     8.   Incentive Stock Options.

          Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Participants who are Employees.  Any provision of the Plan to the
contrary notwithstanding, (i) no Incentive Stock Option shall be
granted more than ten years from the date the Plan is adopted by
the Board of Directors of the Corporation and no Incentive Stock
Option shall be exercisable more than ten years from the date
such Incentive Stock Option is granted, (ii) the Exercise Price
of any Incentive Stock Option shall not be less than the Market
Value per Share on the date such Incentive Stock Option is
granted, (iii) any Incentive Stock Option shall not be
transferable by the Participant to whom such Incentive Stock
Option is granted other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and shall be exercisable during such Participant's
lifetime only by such Participant, (iv) no Incentive Stock Option
shall be granted to any individual who, at the time such
Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock possessing more
than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock of the Corporation or any Affiliate unless the
Exercise Price of such Incentive Stock Option is at least 110
percent of the Market Value per Share at the date of grant and
such Incentive Stock Option is not exercisable after the
expiration of five years from the date such Incentive Stock
Option is granted, and (v) the aggregate Market Value (determined
as of the time any Incentive Stock Option is granted) of the
Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by a Participant in any calendar
year shall not exceed $100,000.  

     9.   Stock Appreciation Rights.

          A Stock Appreciation Right shall, upon its exercise,
entitle the Participant to whom such Stock Appreciation Right was
granted to receive a number of Shares or cash or combination
thereof, as the Committee in its discretion shall determine, the
aggregate value of which (i.e., the sum of the amount of cash
and/or Market Value of such Shares on date of exercise) shall
equal (as nearly as possible, it being understood that the
Corporation shall not issue any fractional shares) the amount by
which the Market Value per Share on the date of such exercise
shall exceed the Exercise Price of such Stock Appreciation Right,
multiplied by the number of Shares with respect of which such
Stock Appreciation Right shall have been exercised.  A Stock
Appreciation Right may be Related to an Option or may be granted
independently of any Option as the Committee shall from time to
time in each case determine.  At the time of grant of an Option
the Committee shall determine whether and to what extent a
Related Stock Appreciation Right shall be granted with respect
thereto; provided, however, and notwithstanding any other
provision of the Plan, that if the Related Option is an Incentive
Stock Option, the Related Stock Appreciation Right shall satisfy
all the restrictions and limitations of Section 8 hereof as if
such Related Stock Appreciation Right were an Incentive Stock
Option and as if other rights which are Related to Incentive
Stock Options were Incentive Stock Options.  In the case of a
Related Option, such Related Option shall cease to be exercisable
to the extent of the Shares with respect to which the Related
Stock Appreciation Right was exercised.  Upon the exercise or
termination of a Related Option, any Related Stock Appreciation
Right shall terminate to the extent of the Shares with respect to
which the Related Option was exercised or terminated.

     10.  Limited Stock Appreciation Rights.

          At the time of grant of an Option or Stock Appreciation
Right to any Participant, the Committee shall have full and
complete authority and discretion to also grant to such
Participant a Limited Stock Appreciation Right which is Related
to such Option or Stock Appreciation Right; provided, however and
notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, that if the
Related Option is an Incentive Stock Option, the Related Limited
Stock Appreciation Right shall satisfy all the restrictions and
limitations of Section 8 hereof as if such Related Limited Stock
Appreciation Right were an Incentive Stock Option and as if all
other Rights which are Related to Incentive Stock Options were
Incentive Stock Options. A Limited Right may be exercised only in
the event of a Change in Control of the Corporation.

          A Limited Stock Appreciation Right shall, upon its
exercise, entitle the Participant to whom such Limited Stock
Appreciation Right was granted to receive an amount of cash equal
to the amount by which the Market Value on the date of such
exercise, as shall have been provided by the Committee in its
discretion at the time of grant, shall exceed the Exercise Price
of such Limited Stock Appreciation Right, multiplied by the
number of Shares with respect to which such Limited Stock
Appreciation Right shall have been exercised.  Upon the exercise
of a Limited Stock Appreciation Right, any Related Option and/or
Related Stock Appreciation Right shall cease to be exercisable to
the extent of the

<PAGE>

Shares with respect to which such Limited Stock Appreciation
Right was exercised.  Upon the exercise or termination of a
Related Option or Related Stock Appreciation Right, any Related
Limited Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate to the extent of
the Shares with respect to which such Related Option or Related
Stock Appreciation Right was exercised or terminated.  In the
event of a Change in Control in which pooling accounting
treatment is a condition to the transaction, the Limited Stock
Appreciation Right shall be exercised solely for shares of stock
of the Corporation, or in the event of a merger transaction, for
shares of the acquiring corporation or its parent, as applicable. 
The number of shares to be received on the exercise of such
Limited Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by dividing
the amount of cash that would have been available under the first
sentence above by the Market Value at the time of exercise of the
shares underlying the Option subject to the Limited Stock
Appreciation Right. 
          
     11.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization.

          In the event of any change in the outstanding Shares
subsequent to the effective date of the Plan by reason of any
reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend,
pro rata return of capital to all shareholders, combination or
exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or any change in the
corporate structure or Shares of the Corporation, the maximum
aggregate number and class of shares as to which Awards may be
granted under the Plan and the number, class and exercise price
of shares with respect to which Awards have been granted under
the Plan shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, whose
determination shall be conclusive; provided, however, that no
such adjustments may be made which will change materially the
value of benefits available to a Participant under a previously
granted Award.  With respect to Incentive Stock Options, no such
adjustment shall be made if it would be deemed a "modification"
of the Award under Section 424 of the Code.

     12.  Effect of Merger.

          In the event of any merger, consolidation or
combination of the Corporation (other than a merger,
consolidation or combination in which the Corporation is the
continuing entity and which does not result in the outstanding
Shares being converted into or exchanged for different
securities, cash or other property, or any combination thereof)
pursuant to a plan or agreement the terms of which are binding
upon all stockholders of the Corporation (except to the extent
that dissenting stockholders may be entitled, under statutory
provisions or provisions contained in the certificate of
incorporation, to receive the appraised or fair value of their
holdings), any Participant to whom an Option or Right has been
granted at least six months prior to such event shall have the
right (subject to the provisions of the Plan and any limitation
or vesting period applicable to such Option or Right), thereafter
and during the term of each such Option or Right, to receive upon
exercise of any such Option or Right an amount equal to the
excess of the fair market value on the date of such exercise of
the securities, cash or other property, or combination thereof,
receivable upon such merger, consolidation or combination in
respect of a Share over the Exercise Price of such Right or
Option, multiplied by the number of Shares with respect to which
such Option or Right shall have been exercised.  Such amount may
be payable fully in cash, fully in one or more of the kind or
kinds of property payable in such merger, consolidation or
combination, or partly in cash and partly in one or more of such
kind or kinds of property, all in the discretion of the
Committee.

     13.  Assignments and Transfers.

          No Award of Incentive Stock Options nor any right or
interest of a Participant under the Plan in any instrument
evidencing any Award of Incentive Stock Options under the Plan
may be assigned, encumbered or transferred except, in the event
of the death of a Participant, by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.  In the discretion of the Board, all or any Non-
Qualified Stock Options granted hereunder may be transferable by
the Participant, provided, however, that the Board may limit the
transferability of such Option or Options to a designated class
or classes of persons.

     14.  Employee Rights Under the Plan.

          No director, officer or employee shall have a right to
be selected as a Participant nor, having been so selected, to be
selected again as a Participant and no director, officer,
employee or other person shall have any claim or right to be
granted an Award under the Plan or under any other incentive or
similar plan of the Corporation or any

<PAGE>

Affiliate.  Neither the Plan nor any action taken thereunder
shall be construed as giving any employee any right to be
retained in the employ of the Corporation or any Affiliate.

     15.  Delivery and Registration of Stock.

          The Corporation's obligation to deliver Shares with
respect to an Award shall, if the Committee so requests, be
conditioned upon the receipt of a representation as to the
investment intention of the Participant to whom such Shares are
to be delivered, in such form as the Committee shall determine to
be necessary or advisable to comply with the provisions of the
Securities Act of 1933 or any other Federal, state or local
securities legislation or regulation.  It may be provided that
any representation requirement shall become inoperative upon a
registration of the Shares or other action eliminating the
necessity of such representation under such Securities Act or
other securities legislation.  The Corporation shall not be
required to deliver any Shares under the Plan prior to (i) the
admission of such shares to listing on any stock exchange or
other system on which Shares may then be listed, and (ii) the
completion of such registration or other qualification of such
Shares under any state or Federal law, rule or regulation, as the
Committee shall determine to be necessary or advisable.

          This Plan is intended to comply with Rule 16b-3 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Any provision of the Plan
which is inconsistent with said Rule shall, to the extent of such
inconsistency, be inoperative and shall not affect the validity
of the remaining provisions of the Plan.

     16.  Withholding Tax.

          The Corporation shall have the right to deduct from all
amounts paid in cash with respect to the exercise of a Right
under the Plan any taxes required by law to be withheld with
respect to such cash payments.  Where a Participant or other
person is entitled to receive Shares pursuant to the exercise of
an Option or Right pursuant to the Plan, the Corporation shall
have the right to require the Participant or such other person to
pay the Corporation the amount of any taxes which the Corporation
is required to withhold with respect to such Shares, and may, in
its sole discretion, withhold sufficient Shares to cover the
amount of taxes which the Corporation is required to withhold.

     17.  Amendment or Termination.

          The Board of Directors of the Corporation may amend,
suspend or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time,
provided, however, that no such amendment, suspension or
termination shall impair the rights of any Participant, without
his consent, in any Award made pursuant to the Plan.  Any
amendment or modification of the Plan or an outstanding Award
under the Plan, including but not limited to the acceleration of
vesting of an outstanding Award for reasons other than death,
Disability, Normal Retirement or a Change in Control, shall be
approved by the Committee or the full Board of the Corporation.  

     18.  Effective Date and Term of Plan.

          The Plan shall become effective upon its ratification
by stockholders of the Corporation.  It shall continue in effect
for a term of ten years unless sooner terminated under Section 17
hereof.

<PAGE>

                                                       APPENDIX B
                       CBES BANCORP, INC.

                 RECOGNITION AND RETENTION PLAN


1.   Plan Purpose.

     The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term
interests of the Corporation and its stockholders by providing a
means for attracting and retaining directors, advisory directors
and officers of the Corporation and its Affiliates.

2.   Definitions.

     The following definitions are applicable to the Plan:

     "Award" - means the grant by the Committee of Restricted
Stock, as provided in the Plan.

     "Affiliate" - means any "parent corporation" or "subsidiary
corporation" of the Corporation, as such terms are defined in
Section 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code.

     "Bank" - means Community Bank of Excelsior Springs, a
Savings Bank, a capital stock savings institution and its
predecessors and  successors.

     "Board" or "Board of Directors" - means the board of
directors of the Corporation or its Affiliate, as applicable.

     "Change in Control" of the Bank or the Corporation means a
change in control of a nature that: (i) would be required to be
reported in response to Item 1(a) of the current report on Form
8-K, as in effect on the date hereof, pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act"); or (ii) results in a Change in Control of the Bank or the
Corporation within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, as amended ("BHCA"), and applicable rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, as in effect at the time of the Change in
Control; or (iii) without limitation such a Change in Control
shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as (a) any "person"
(as the term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange
Act) is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Corporation representing 25% or more of the
combined voting power of Corporation's outstanding securities
except for any securities purchased by the Bank's employee stock
ownership plan or trust; or (b) individuals who constitute the
Board on the date hereof (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any
reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, provided,
however,  that this subsection (b) shall not apply if the
Incumbent Board is replaced by the appointment by a Federal
banking agency of a conservator or receiver for the Bank and,
provided further that any person becoming a director subsequent
to the date hereof whose election was approved by a vote of at
least two-thirds of the directors comprising the Incumbent Board,
or whose nomination for election by the Corporation's
stockholders was approved by the same nominating committee
serving under an Incumbent Board, shall be, for purposes of this
clause (b), considered as though he were a member of the
Incumbent Board; or (c) a plan of reorganization, merger,
consolidation, sale of all or substantially all the assets of the
Bank or the Corporation or similar transaction in which the Bank
or Corporation is not the surviving institution occurs; or (d) a
proxy statement soliciting proxies from stockholders of the
Corporation, by someone other than the current management of the
Corporation, seeking stockholder approval of a plan of
reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Corporation or
Bank or similar transaction with one or more corporations as a
result of which the outstanding shares of the class of securities
then subject to such plan or transaction are to be exchanged for
or converted into cash or property or securities not issued by
the Bank or Corporation shall be distributed and the requisite
number of proxies approving such plan of reorganization, merger
or consolidation of the Corporation or Bank are received and
voted in favor of such transactions; or (e) a tender offer is
made for 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Bank or
Corporation and the shareholders owning beneficially or of record
25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Bank or
Corporation have tendered or offered to sell their shares
pursuant to such tender offer and such tendered shares have been
accepted by the tender offeror.

<PAGE>

     "Code" - means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

     "Committee" - means the Committee referred to in Section 6
hereof.

     "Continuous Service" - means the absence of any interruption
or termination of service as a director, advisory director,
director emeritus, officer or employee of the Corporation or any
Affiliate.  Service shall not be considered interrupted in the
case of sick leave, military leave or any other leave of absence
approved by the Corporation or any Affiliate or in the case of
transfers between payroll locations of the Corporation or between
the Corporation, its subsidiaries or its successor.  With respect
to any advisory director or director emeritus, continuous service
shall mean availability to perform such functions as may be
required of such persons.

     "Corporation" - means CBES Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

     "Disability" - means the permanent and total inability by
reason of mental or physical infirmity, or both, of an employee
to perform the work customarily assigned to him.  Additionally, a
medical doctor selected or approved by the Board must advise the
committee that it is either not possible to determine where such
Disability will terminate or that it appears probable that such
Disability  will be permanent during the remainder of said
Participant's lifetime.

     "ERISA" - means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended.

     "Non-Employee Director" - means a director who (a) is not
employed by the Company or an Affiliate; (b) does not receive
compensation directly or indirectly as a consultant (or in any
other capacity than as a director) greater than $60,000; (c) does
not have an interest in a transaction requiring disclosure under
Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K; or (d) is not engaged in a
business relationship for which disclosure would be required
pursuant to Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K.

     "Normal Retirement" means retirement after reaching 65 years
of age.
          
     "OTS" - means the Office of Thrift Supervision.  

     "Outside Director" - means a director of the Corporation or
an Affiliate who is not an employee of the Corporation or an
Affiliate.

     "Participant" - means any director, advisory director,
director emeritus, officer or employee of the Corporation or any
Affiliate who is selected by the Committee to receive an Award.

     "Plan" - means the Recognition and Retention Plan of the
Corporation.

     "Restricted Period" - means the period of time selected by
the Committee for the purpose of determining when restrictions
are in effect under Section 3 hereof with respect to Restricted
Stock awarded under the Plan.

     "Restricted Stock" - means Shares which have been
contingently awarded to a Participant by the Committee subject to
the restrictions referred to in Section 3 hereof, so long as such
restrictions are in effect.

     "Shares" - means the common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of the Corporation.

3.   Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock.

      The Committee shall have full and complete authority,
subject to the limitations of the Plan, to grant awards of
Restricted Stock and, in addition to the terms and conditions
contained in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this Section 3, to
provide such other terms and conditions (which need not be
identical among Participants) in respect of such Awards, and the
vesting thereof, as the Committee shall determine.

     (a)  At the time of an award of Restricted Stock, the
Committee shall establish for each Participant a Restricted
Period during which or at the expiration of which, as the
Committee shall determine and

<PAGE>

provide in the agreement referred to in paragraph (d) of this
Section 3, the Shares awarded as Restricted Stock shall vest, and
subject to any such other terms and conditions as the Committee
shall provide, shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold,
assigned, transferred, pledged, voted or otherwise encumbered by
the Participant, except as hereinafter provided, during the
Restricted Period.  Except for such restrictions, and subject to
paragraphs (c) and (e) of this Section 3 and Section 4 hereof,
the Participant as owner of such shares shall have all the rights
of a stockholder.   The Committee shall have the authority, in
its discretion, to accelerate the time at which any or all of the
restrictions shall lapse with respect thereto, or to remove any
or all of such restrictions, whenever it may determine that such
action is appropriate by reason of changes in applicable tax or
other laws or other changes in circumstances occurring after the
commencement of such Restricted Period.

     (b)  If a Participant ceases to maintain Continuous Service
for any reason (other than death, Disability, Normal Retirement,
or following a Change in Control), all Shares of Restricted Stock
awarded to such Participant and which at the time of such
termination of Continuous Service are subject to the restrictions
imposed by paragraph (a) of this Section 3 shall upon such
termination of Continuous Service be forfeited and returned to
the Corporation.  If a Participant ceases to maintain Continuous
Service by reason of death, Disability, Normal Retirement, or
following a Change in Control, Restricted Stock then still
subject to restrictions imposed by paragraph (a) of this
Section 3 will be free of those restrictions and shall be
immediately vested.

     (c)  Each certificate in respect of Shares of Restricted
Stock awarded under the Plan shall be registered in the name of
the Participant or in the name of the Plan on behalf of the
Participant and deposited by the Participant, together with a
stock power endorsed in blank, with the Corporation and shall
bear the following (or a similar) legend:

     "The transferability of this certificate and the shares of
stock represented hereby are subject to the terms and conditions
(including forfeiture) contained in the Recognition and Retention
Plan of CBES Bancorp, Inc.  Copies of such Plan are on file in
the office of the Secretary of CBES Bancorp, Inc., 1001 N.  Jesse
James Road, Excelsior Springs, Missouri  64024-1201."

     (d)  At the time of any Award, the Participant shall enter
into an agreement with the Corporation in a form specified by the
Committee, agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Award and
such other matters as the Committee, in its sole discretion,
shall determine (the "Restricted Stock Agreement").

     (e)  After an Award has been granted but before such Award
has been earned, the Participant shall receive any cash dividends
paid with respect to such shares, or shall share in any pro-rata
return of capital to all shareholders with respect to the Common
Stock.  Stock dividends declared by the Corporation and paid on
Awards that have not yet been earned shall be subject to the same
restrictions as the Restricted Stock and the certificate(s) or
other instruments representing or evidencing such shares shall be
legended in the manner provided in paragraph 3(c) and shall be
delivered to the Escrow Agent for distribution to the Participant
when the Restricted Stock upon which such dividends were paid are
earned.  Unless the Participant has made an election under
Section 83(b) of the Code, cash dividends or other amounts so
paid on shares that have not yet been earned by the Participant
shall be treated as compensation income to the Participant when
paid.  If dividends are paid with respect to shares of Restricted
Stock under the Plan that have been issued but not awarded, or
that have been forfeited and returned to the Corporation or to a
trust established to hold issued and unawarded or forfeited
shares, the Committee can determine to award such dividends to
any Participant or Participants under the Plan, to any other
employee or director of the Corporation or the Bank, or can
return such dividends to the Corporation.  

     (f)  After an Award has been granted, the Participant as
conditional owner of the Restricted Stock shall have the right to
vote such shares.

     (g)  At the expiration of the restrictions imposed by
paragraph (a) of this Section 3, the Corporation shall redeliver
to the Participant (or where the relevant provision of
paragraph (b) of this Section 3 applies

<PAGE>

in the case of a deceased Participant, to his legal
representative, beneficiary or heir) the certificate(s) and stock
power deposited with it pursuant to paragraph (c) of this
Section 3 and the Shares represented by such certificate(s) shall
be free of the restrictions referred to in paragraph (a) of this
Section 3.

4.   Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization.

     In the event of any change in the outstanding Shares
subsequent to the effective date of the Plan by reason of any
reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend,
combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or any
change in the corporate structure or Shares of the Corporation,
the maximum aggregate number and class of shares as to which
Awards may be granted under the Plan and the number and class of
shares with respect to which Awards theretofore have been granted
under the Plan shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee,
whose determination shall be conclusive.  Any shares of stock or
other securities received, as a result of any of the foregoing,
by a Participant with respect to Restricted Stock shall be
subject to the same restrictions and the certificate(s) or other
instruments representing or evidencing such shares or securities
shall be legended and deposited with the Corporation in the
manner provided in Section 3 hereof.

5.   Assignments and Transfers.

     No Award nor any right or interest of a Participant under
the Plan in any instrument evidencing any Award under the Plan
may be assigned, encumbered or transferred except, in the event
of the death of a Participant, by will or the laws of descent and
distribution or pursuant to a domestic relations order as defined
in the Code or Title I of ERISA or the rules thereunder.

6.   Administration.

     The Plan shall be administered by a Committee of the Board
consisting of either (i) at least two Non-Employee Directors of
the Corporation, or (ii) the entire Board of the Corporation. 
Except as limited by the express provisions of the Plan, the
Committee shall have sole and complete authority and discretion,
to (i) select Participants and grant Awards; (ii) determine the
number of shares to be subject to types of Awards generally, as
well as to individual Awards granted under the Plan; (iii)
determine the terms and conditions upon which Awards shall be
granted under the Plan; (iv) prescribe the form and terms of
instruments evidencing such grants; and (v) establish from time
to time regulations for the administration of the Plan, interpret
the Plan, and make all determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for the administration of the Plan.

     A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and
the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at
which a quorum is present, or acts approved in writing by a
majority of the Committee without a meeting, shall be acts of the
Committee.

7.   Shares Subject to Plan.

     Subject to adjustment by the operation of Section 4 hereof,
the maximum number of Shares with respect to which Awards may be
made under the Plan is 40,998.  The shares with respect to which
Awards may be made under the Plan may be either authorized and
unissued shares or issued shares reacquired and held as treasury
shares.  An Award shall not be considered to have been made under
the Plan with respect to Restricted Stock which is forfeited and
new Awards may be granted under the Plan with respect to the
number of Shares as to which such forfeiture has occurred. 

8.   Employee Rights Under the Plan.

     No director, officer or employee shall have a right to be
selected as a Participant nor, having been so selected, to be
selected again as a Participant and no director, officer,
employee or other person shall have any claim or right to be
granted an Award under the Plan or under any other incentive or
similar plan of the Corporation or any Affiliate.  Neither the
Plan nor any action taken thereunder shall be construed as giving
any employee any right to be retained in the employ of the
Corporation, the Bank or any Affiliate.

<PAGE>

9.   Withholding Tax.

     Upon the termination of the Restricted Period with respect
to any shares of Restricted Stock (or at any such earlier time,
if any, that an election is made by the Participant under
Section 83(b) of the Code, or any successor provision thereto, to
include the value of such shares in taxable income), the
Corporation may withhold from any payment or distribution made
under this Plan sufficient Shares or may withhold or cause to be
paid by Participant sufficient cash to cover any applicable
withholding and employment taxes.  The Corporation shall have the
right to deduct from all dividends paid with respect to shares of
Restricted Stock the amount of any taxes which the Corporation is
required to withhold with respect to such dividend payments.  No
discretion or choice shall be conferred upon any Participant with
respect to the form, timing or method of any such tax
withholding.

10.  Amendment or Termination.

     The Board of Directors of the Corporation may amend, suspend
or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time,
provided, however, that no such amendment, suspension or
termination shall impair the rights of any Participant, without
his consent, in any Award theretofore made pursuant to the Plan. 
Any amendment or modification of the Plan or an outstanding Award
under the Plan, including but not limited to the acceleration of
vesting of an outstanding Award for reasons other than death,
Disability, Normal Retirement, or termination following a Change
in Control, shall be approved by the Committee or the full Board
of the Corporation.

11.  Term of Plan.

     The Plan shall become effective upon its ratification by
stockholders of the Corporation.  It shall continue in effect
until the earlier of (i) ten years unless sooner terminated under
Section 10 hereof, or (ii) the date on which all shares of common
stock available for award hereunder have vested in the recipients
of such Awards.

<PAGE>

                       CBES BANCORP, INC.

                 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                        October 28, 1997


     The undersigned hereby appoints Cecil E. Lamb and Richard
Cox, with full powers of substitution, to act as attorneys and
proxies for the undersigned to vote all shares of capital stock
of CBES Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") which the undersigned is
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") to be held at the Company's main office, located at
1001 North Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, Missouri on
October 28, 1997 at 4:00 p.m. and at any and all adjournments and
postponements thereof. 

1.   The election as directors of all nominees listed below
(except as marked to the contrary):

               / / FOR        / / VOTE WITHHELD

     INSTRUCTION:   To withhold your vote for any individual
                    nominee, strike a line in that nominee's name
                    below.

          EDGAR L. RADLEY          RODNEY G. ROUNKLES

2.   The ratification of the adoption of the 1997 Stock Option
and Incentive Plan.

          / / FOR   / / AGAINST    / / ABSTAIN

3.   The ratification of the adoption of the Recognition and
Retention Plan.

          / / FOR   / / AGAINST    / / ABSTAIN

4.   The ratification of the appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
as auditors for the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1998.

          / / FOR   / / AGAINST    / / ABSTAIN

     In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote on
any other business that may properly come before the Meeting or
any adjournment or postponement thereof.

     THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS
ARE SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSALS AND
EACH OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.  IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS
PRESENTED AT THE MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THOSE NAMED
IN THIS PROXY IN THEIR BEST JUDGMENT.  AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT
THE MEETING.

  The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the proposals
         and the election of the nominees listed above.


                     (Continued and to be SIGNED on Reverse Side)

<PAGE>

   THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     Should the undersigned be present and choose to vote at the
Meeting or at any adjournments or postponements thereof, and
after notification to the Secretary of the Company at the Meeting
of the stockholder's decision to terminate this proxy, then the
power of such attorneys or proxies shall be deemed terminated and
of no further force and effect.  This proxy may also be revoked
by filing a written notice of revocation with the Secretary of
the Company or by duly executing a proxy bearing a later date.

     The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company, prior
to the execution of this proxy, of notice of the Meeting, a Proxy
Statement and an Annual Report to Stockholders.





Dated:  ------------, 1997    -----------------------------------
                              Signature of Stockholder
                              Please sign exactly as your name(s)
                              appear(s) to the left.  When
                              signing as attorney, executor,
                              administrator, trustee or guardian,
                              please give your full title.  If
                              shares are held jointly, each
                              holder should sign.

PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE
ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE



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