The pilot reported that prior to departure, the fuel system sight gages indicated he had over 25 gallons of fuel on board. The pilot did not visually check the fuel level in the tanks. Upon reaching his destination, the pilot made a low approach over the runway, climbed, and flew to an area about 5 miles from the airport to wait for another airplane to land ahead of him. The pilot reported the engine then lost power and he began a glide back toward the airport. Realizing he was not going to be able to reach the airport, he chose a field in which to land. According to the pilot, the airplane stalled just prior to touching down resulting in substantial damage to the wings and empennage. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed the fuel tanks were intact and there was no fuel present either in the tanks or on the ground around the wreckage.