Garmhausen served as Division Landscape Architect from 1935 to 1949 and as Chief Landscape Architect for the Ohio Department of Highways from 1949 to 1972. He developed Ohio rest areas and was also a speaker, author, coordinator of the Ohio Short Course on Roadside Development for 31 years, and chairman of the Roadside Development Committee of the National Highway Research Board. President L.B. Johnson recognized his national role in roadside development. Born in Lock Two, Ohio, Garmhausen was honored for leadership that made travel safer and more enjoyable.