A native of Republic, Mo., Garton was a two-time All-American, honorable mention, for the Lions on the basketball court. He also earned NAIA District 16 First team honors in 84-85 and 85-86 to go along with first team All-CSIC honors those years as well. When Garton was finished playing for the Green & Gold he was first in career points with 2,140, that record still stands today, and fourth all-time in points per game with 18.45 ppg. He also finished his playing career first all-time in free throw percentage draining 88.5% from the charity stripe and second all-time in both steals with 140 and games played with 116 under his belt. Garton also was a force to be reckoned with on the boards as he finished his career ranking fifth all-time with 585 career rebounds.

Upon the completion of his eligibility on the basketball court, Garton turned to football as he played defensive back for the Lions in the fall 1986 as he finished his degree. Garton was a 1987 graduate of Missouri Southern with a degree in Physical Education and at the time of his induction was a teacher and head boys’ basketball coach at Republic (Mo.) High School.